Related Terms
FHIR
EMR integration
See Also
API access is what lets outside tools work with your EMR. See how integrations work across systems
EMR Integration
ABOUT THIS ENTRY
Category Core: EMR/EHR
Reading time: 1 min
Updated: Nov 2026
Healthcare API
Definition
A healthcare API (application programming interface) is a defined way for one software system to request or send health data to another, such as an app pulling appointments from an EHR.
Why the distinction matters
APIs are how most modern EHR connections work.
Instead of a custom file feed built for one pair of systems, an API publishes a set of requests the other side can make: get today's appointments, look up a patient's phone number, or post a signed form. Access is limited by login tokens and permissions, so an app only sees the data it's approved for.
Healthcare APIs come in two main kinds. Standard APIs use FHIR, which certified US EHRs must support. Vendor APIs are built by the EHR company itself and often cover more fields, like scheduling write-back. Many integrations use both.
Example
A reminder app connects to a practice's EHR through its API. Every 15 minutes, it asks for new and changed appointments, then queues reminder texts. When a patient cancels by text, the app sends a request back through the API to open the slot.
Frequently Asked
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What's the difference between an API and an interface?
An interface often means a fixed data feed, like an HL7 connection between two systems. An API lets approved apps request data on demand.
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Are healthcare APIs secure?
They use encrypted connections, access tokens, and scoped permissions. Security also depends on how each vendor manages access.
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Does every EHR have an API?
Certified US EHRs must offer a standard FHIR API. Many also publish their own APIs for partners.