2.7 is out already and I certified on that version.
Now the “is it in use question” – that gets more fun. Vendors typically do not stay up to date with standards, especially HL7 versions.
It’s one of the good things about all the ARRA, MU and regulation changes going into effect. At least it’s forcing antiquated vendor HL7 interfaces – typically v2.2 or 2.3 – to at least get up to v2.5.1 for lab report and some others.
If you find a good way to pressure/nudge your vendor into getting to a more acceptable version, let me know. I’ve gone so far as to tell our upper management when considering new software / vendors, if the HL7 version is not 2.5.1 or higher, toss them out of the list regardless of other factors. Unfortunately, I doubt that this will get routinely followed.
The crux of the issue becomes that all users / departments want what higher HL7 versions can provide and have defined, but we are at the mercy of our vendors most of the time.
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