Once your Participation Agreement is signed, we will coordinate with your technical team to initiate the VPN configuration process. At that point, you will receive a VPN request form to complete. Typical turnaround is 3 to 4 days from form submission, assuming availability on both sides. The main variable is scheduling time for both teams to connect and test the configuration together. If your organization would like to get ahead of the process, you are welcome to submit the VPN request form in advance of your agreement being finalized. Doing so allows us to complete pre-work that can reduce overall setup time once your agreement is in place. Submit the VPN request form here

Sample messages must not contain any PHI (protected health information). Because of this, special encryption is not required for the sample messages themselves. Contact Callie Standridge at callie.standridge@convergehlth.org for the specific address to send them to.

The typical method is an ITI-type message, which supports real-time transmission of CCD content. The USCDI data format being focused on is version 3. See v3 data elements for reference. Multiple connection methods are supported – reach out to us if you have specific configuration questions.

Yes, site identifiers are required. In the vast majority of cases (99%), the existing identifiers already in your messages will be reused. If you have a unique situation — such as multiple sites or multiple EMRs – the team will work with you directly. NPI information is often required specifically for NSSP syndromic surveillance reporting.

Yes. The HIE supports EHR integration using HL7 v2.x, C-CDA, and FHIR. Technical onboarding will identify the right integration approach based on your EHR and connectivity readiness. We can meet your organization where you're at.

Yes, and direct querying actually provides better data access than going through national networks like CareQuality. Converge Health Iowa can set up direct query access into your EHR, including a record locator service and query services. Patient matching is also more accurate when querying the HIE directly versus the lack of matching algorithms on national networks. Contact the us to discuss a direct integration setup.

Yes, one-to-many interface setups are actually preferred – a single interface can support multiple locations and facilities. As long as there is a way to distinguish facilities within the feed (e.g., a facility code), Converge Health Iowa can support it. Reach out to discuss your specific configuration.