Measuring Progress on EHR API Standards in Digital Health With: Dr. Ben Rosner
Dr. Ben Rosner, a national expert in digital health data policy and a practicing clinician, discusses the evolving landscape of EHR integration through APIs. Drawing from a 2022 national survey of digital health companies, he explores how federal mandates like the 21st Century Cures Act aimed to standardize API access to electronic health records (EHRs)—and whether they’ve made a measurable difference. Rosner explains that while standard APIs are mandated, many vendors still rely on proprietary systems, citing persistent integration barriers such as endpoint confusion and high costs. He also previews a follow-up survey to assess real-world progress and guide future policy. This clip delivers actionable insight into how APIs, AI, and regulation intersect in modern EHR systems—key for health tech vendors and provider IT leaders navigating API integration.
Episode Contents:
About the Guest
Dr. Ben Rosner is a physician and digital health researcher with deep expertise in patient-generated health data and healthcare technology policy. View his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrosnermdphd/
Key Takeaways
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Digital health vendors still face major EHR integration challenges.
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Federal API mandates haven’t eliminated the need for proprietary workarounds.
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A new national survey aims to assess progress post-21st Century Cures Act.
Transcript Summary
What are EHR integration APIs and why do they matter?
APIs let different systems talk to each other—critical in healthcare where digital tools must integrate with the EHR. Despite mandates, integration still isn’t seamless.
What did your national survey of digital health companies find?
Although federal policy required standardized APIs, many companies still used proprietary ones. Barriers like cost and endpoint confusion persisted.
Is there progress since the 21st Century Cures Act?
The first survey set a baseline. A new one launching this winter will show if APIs are easier to use and if policy changes are working.
Can other companies get involved in your upcoming survey?
Yes, digital health companies integrating with EHRs can preregister now for the 2025–26 rollout.
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