Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About USEHRE

Find answers to common questions about our mission, standards, certification process, and how we're transforming healthcare interoperability.

USEHRE stands for Universal Standard Encrypted Health Record Exchange. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit standards and research organization dedicated to transforming healthcare interoperability.

What we do:

  • Develop Open Standards: We create and maintain comprehensive technical standards for health record exchange, building upon established frameworks like HL7 FHIR, LOINC, and SNOMED CT
  • Conduct AI Research: We perform non-profit research in medical imaging analysis, diagnostic AI, and predictive analytics for both human and veterinary medicine
  • Create Technical Specifications: We develop detailed implementation blueprints and integration guides that commercial platforms can use
  • Certify Platforms: We establish certification programs for healthcare software to ensure compliance with our standards

What we DON'T do: We do not build or operate healthcare platforms. Commercial companies create the actual Healthcare PaaS (Platform as a Service) systems that implement our standards. This separation ensures our standards remain open, unbiased, and focused on serving the public good.

USEHRE certification demonstrates that your organization meets the highest standards for healthcare data interoperability, security, and patient-centered design.

Who can get certified:

  • New Healthcare PaaS (Platform as a Service) platforms
  • Existing EHR/EMR systems (Epic, Cerner, Allscripts, etc.)
  • Practice management systems
  • Medical imaging systems (PACS, RIS)
  • Laboratory information systems (LIS)
  • Veterinary practice management software
  • Health insurance platforms
  • Patient portal systems

The certification process:

  1. Initial Consultation: Contact our certification team at [email protected] to discuss your system and timeline
  2. Gap Analysis: We assess your current system against USEHRE standards (2-4 weeks)
  3. Implementation: Your team implements required standards with our technical support (3-18 months depending on system complexity)
  4. Security Audit: Independent security review of your implementation (4-6 weeks)
  5. Compliance Testing: We test interoperability, data standards, and API functionality (2-3 weeks)
  6. Certification Award: Upon successful completion, receive USEHRE certification and badge for marketing

Benefits: Market differentiation, improved interoperability, access to USEHRE network, technical support, and demonstrated commitment to patient-centered care.

USEHRE offers diverse partnership opportunities designed to advance healthcare interoperability while supporting your organization's mission.

Partnership Categories:

  • Healthcare Provider Partners: Hospital systems, medical groups, and clinics that pilot our standards and provide real-world feedback
  • Technology Partners: EHR/EMR vendors, healthcare software companies, and platform developers who implement USEHRE standards
  • Veterinary Partners: Veterinary practice management platforms, animal hospitals, and pet health technology companies
  • Insurance Partners: Health insurance companies and payers interested in improved data exchange and claims processing
  • Research Partners: Academic institutions, research hospitals, and medical schools collaborating on AI and interoperability research
  • Standards Organizations: HL7, LOINC, SNOMED International, and other standards bodies working on healthcare data harmonization
  • Government Partners: Health departments, regulatory agencies, and international health organizations

Partnership Benefits Include:

  • Collaborative standards development and early access to specifications
  • Joint AI research initiatives and data sharing agreements
  • Technical integration support and implementation guidance
  • Priority certification processing and dedicated support
  • Co-marketing opportunities and public recognition
  • Input on governance and strategic direction
  • Access to USEHRE network and partnership ecosystem

Get Started: Contact [email protected] to explore partnership opportunities tailored to your organization.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, USEHRE operates with complete transparency and accountability. Our funding comes from diverse sources to ensure independence and sustainability.

Primary Funding Sources:

  • Foundation Grants: Support from health-focused foundations and philanthropic organizations committed to healthcare innovation and patient access
  • Individual Donations: Tax-deductible contributions from individuals who believe in our mission of universal health data interoperability
  • Government Grants: Research grants from NIH, NSF, and other agencies focused on health data interoperability, AI research, and healthcare innovation
  • Organizational Memberships: Annual membership dues from healthcare providers, technology companies, and research institutions that support our work
  • Certification Fees: Revenue from our certification programs for platforms implementing USEHRE standards (tiered pricing ensures accessibility)
  • Educational Programs: Fees from training, workshops, and educational materials about healthcare interoperability standards
  • Research Contracts: Collaborative research agreements with academic institutions and healthcare organizations

How Funds Are Used:

  • Standards development and maintenance (40%)
  • AI research and open-source tool development (30%)
  • Community outreach and education (15%)
  • Administrative and operational costs (10%)
  • Global expansion and partnerships (5%)

Financial Transparency: As a 501(c)(3), we file annual Form 990 reports publicly available through the IRS and charity watchdog organizations. We maintain strict conflict-of-interest policies and independent board governance.

Support Our Mission: Donations are tax-deductible. Contact [email protected] for information about making a contribution or establishing a corporate partnership.

USEHRE doesn't reinvent the wheel—we build upon the best healthcare data standards that have been developed over decades by international standards organizations. This ensures compatibility with existing systems while advancing interoperability.

Core Healthcare Standards:

  • HL7 FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources): Our API foundation for all data exchange. FHIR provides modern RESTful APIs that make healthcare data accessible across systems. We extend FHIR with USEHRE-specific profiles for enhanced functionality.
  • LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes): Universal coding system for laboratory tests, clinical measurements, and observations. Ensures lab results from any facility can be understood anywhere in the world.
  • SNOMED CT (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms): Comprehensive medical terminology covering diseases, findings, procedures, and clinical concepts. Enables precise clinical documentation and decision support.
  • RxNorm: Standardized nomenclature for medications and drugs. Links to other drug vocabularies (NDC, etc.) and ensures accurate medication records across systems.
  • CPT (Current Procedural Terminology): Standard codes for medical procedures and services, essential for billing and clinical documentation.
  • ICD-10/11: International classification of diseases for diagnosis coding and epidemiological tracking.
  • DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine): Standard for medical imaging data storage and transmission (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.).
  • VetSCT (Veterinary Extension to SNOMED CT): Specialized veterinary terminology for companion animal healthcare, enabling cross-species health data standards.

Security & Privacy Standards:

  • OAuth 2.0 & OpenID Connect: Secure authentication and authorization
  • SMART on FHIR: Authorization framework for health applications
  • TLS 1.3: End-to-end encryption for all data transmission
  • HIPAA Compliance: Full compliance with US health privacy regulations
  • GDPR Compliance: European data protection standards

USEHRE's Value Add: We take these proven standards and create comprehensive implementation guides, extend them for cross-species healthcare, add patient-controlled sharing features, ensure AI-ready data structures, and provide certification to guarantee correct implementation. We're a bridge between standards and real-world deployment.

There are many ways to support USEHRE's mission of universal healthcare interoperability, from financial contributions to volunteering your expertise.

Financial Support:

  • One-Time Donations: Tax-deductible contributions of any amount help fund standards development and AI research
  • Monthly Giving: Sustaining donations provide stable funding for ongoing operations
  • Corporate Sponsorships: Company-level support with recognition benefits
  • Legacy Gifts: Include USEHRE in your estate planning to create lasting impact
  • Research Grants: Sponsor specific research initiatives or standards development projects

Professional Involvement:

  • Join Our Board: Healthcare professionals, technologists, and business leaders with relevant expertise can apply for board positions (contact [email protected])
  • Volunteer Expert Time: Contribute to standards committees, review technical specifications, or provide domain expertise in healthcare, veterinary medicine, or data security
  • Become an Ambassador: Represent USEHRE at conferences, write articles, or speak about healthcare interoperability in your community
  • Advisory Roles: Join technical advisory groups focused on specific standards, AI research, or veterinary medicine

Organizational Support:

  • Become a Partner: Formal partnerships with hospitals, technology companies, research institutions, or insurance providers
  • Pilot Programs: Test and provide feedback on new standards in your organization
  • Research Collaboration: Partner on AI research projects or data interoperability studies

Spread the Word:

  • Share USEHRE's mission on social media and professional networks
  • Write blog posts or articles about healthcare interoperability challenges
  • Present at conferences about the importance of open standards
  • Advocate for USEHRE adoption in your healthcare organization

Get Started: Contact [email protected] for donation options or [email protected] to discuss how your skills can help advance our mission.

Companion animals are family members for over 185 million pet parents in the US alone, yet veterinary medicine faces the exact same data interoperability challenges as human healthcare. USEHRE's dual-track approach addresses both.

The Problem is Universal:

  • Dispersed Records: When pets move, change vets, or see specialists, their medical history doesn't follow them—just like human patients
  • Incompatible Systems: Veterinary practice management systems (IDEXX, Cornerstone, Avimark, etc.) don't share data effectively
  • Emergency Situations: Emergency vets lack access to pet medical history, vaccination records, and allergy information
  • Multi-Pet Families: Pet parents manage health records for multiple animals across different providers with no centralized system
  • Research Limitations: Veterinary research is hampered by lack of standardized, aggregated data

Benefits of Unified Standards:

  • Comprehensive Family Health: Manage health records for all family members (human and animal) in one ecosystem
  • Comparative Medicine Research: Many diseases affect both humans and animals (cancer, diabetes, heart disease). Shared data standards accelerate research benefiting both species
  • One Health Approach: Recognition that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. Shared standards enable better disease surveillance and public health
  • Economic Efficiency: Building one robust standard serves both markets rather than duplicating efforts
  • Technology Reuse: Platforms implementing USEHRE can serve both human and veterinary markets with minimal adaptation

Technical Approach:

  • Use VetSCT (Veterinary SNOMED CT) for animal-specific terminology
  • Extend FHIR resources with veterinary profiles
  • Maintain separate privacy and security requirements appropriate to each track
  • Enable cross-species research while maintaining data segregation

Real-World Impact: Pet parents can share vaccination records with boarding facilities, transfer medical history when moving, provide complete information to emergency vets, and participate in veterinary research that advances treatment for their pets and others.

Security and privacy are not afterthoughts at USEHRE—they're foundational principles. The "E" in USEHRE stands for "Encrypted," emphasizing that secure data exchange is core to our mission.

Encryption & Data Protection:

  • End-to-End Encryption: All health data transmission uses TLS 1.3 encryption. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest
  • Zero-Knowledge Architecture: USEHRE standards support designs where platform providers can facilitate data exchange without accessing the data itself
  • Patient-Controlled Encryption Keys: Support for patient-managed encryption where appropriate
  • Secure Enclave Storage: Guidelines for hardware-based security for sensitive data

Access Control & Authorization:

  • Granular Permissions: Patients control exactly what data each provider can access
  • Role-Based Access: Healthcare providers only access data relevant to their care relationship
  • OAuth 2.0 & SMART on FHIR: Industry-standard authorization frameworks
  • Multi-Factor Authentication: Required for all healthcare provider access
  • Audit Logging: Complete audit trails of all data access for compliance and security monitoring
  • Emergency Access Protocols: Break-glass procedures for emergency situations with full logging

Regulatory Compliance:

  • HIPAA (US): Full compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy and security rules
  • GDPR (EU): European General Data Protection Regulation compliance including right to access, right to be forgotten, and data portability
  • HITECH Act: Breach notification and enhanced security requirements
  • State Privacy Laws: Compliance with California CCPA and other state-level regulations
  • International Standards: ISO 27001 information security management

Security Certification Requirements:

  • Independent third-party security audits
  • Penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
  • Incident response plan and procedures
  • Regular security updates and patch management
  • Data breach notification protocols
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery plans

Privacy by Design: USEHRE standards incorporate privacy principles from the ground up, including data minimization (only collect what's needed), purpose limitation (use data only for stated purposes), and transparency (clear communication about data usage).

Continuous Monitoring: Platforms must maintain ongoing security monitoring, participate in threat intelligence sharing, and undergo annual recertification to maintain USEHRE certification.

This is one of our most important distinctions: USEHRE doesn't replace existing standards—we enhance and extend them into a complete, implementable ecosystem.

What HL7 FHIR Provides:

  • Core data structures (resources) for health information
  • RESTful API specifications for data exchange
  • Base vocabulary bindings and extensibility mechanisms
  • Framework for building health data applications

What USEHRE Adds to FHIR:

  • Complete Implementation Guides: Step-by-step blueprints for building FHIR-compliant systems that actually work together in practice
  • Patient-Controlled Sharing: Extensions and profiles enabling granular patient control over who accesses their data and what they can see
  • Cross-Species Profiles: FHIR extensions for veterinary medicine, enabling unified health management for families with companion animals
  • AI-Ready Data Structures: Standardized formats and metadata that make health data immediately usable for machine learning and AI research
  • Social Features: Extensions supporting patient communities, provider networks, and health data engagement beyond clinical encounters
  • Global Provider Directory: Standards for discovering and connecting with healthcare providers worldwide
  • Imaging Integration: Comprehensive integration of DICOM medical imaging with FHIR clinical data
  • Certification & Validation: Testing frameworks and certification processes to ensure implementations truly interoperate

The Key Difference:

Think of FHIR as providing the alphabet and grammar of healthcare data exchange. USEHRE provides the complete book—detailed instructions for building systems that work together seamlessly, support patient empowerment, enable cutting-edge AI research, and serve both human and veterinary medicine.

Compatibility: Because USEHRE builds on FHIR rather than replacing it, any USEHRE-certified system is automatically FHIR-compliant. You get the benefit of both the broad FHIR ecosystem and the enhanced features USEHRE provides.

Real-World Example: FHIR defines a "Patient" resource. USEHRE extends this with profiles for patient-controlled sharing preferences, cross-species patient records (for companion animals), and AI-ready structured data that preserves privacy while enabling research—all while remaining fully FHIR-compliant.

Absolutely not. USEHRE is a non-profit standards organization—we don't build, sell, or operate healthcare software. We're a partner and resource for EHR vendors, not a competitor.

Our Role:

  • Standards Development: We create open technical standards that any vendor can implement
  • Certification: We verify that systems correctly implement interoperability standards
  • Research: We conduct non-profit AI research and publish findings openly
  • Education: We provide implementation guides and technical support

EHR Vendor Opportunities:

  • Epic, Cerner, Allscripts, etc.: Can become USEHRE-certified by implementing our standards, giving their customers enhanced interoperability
  • Market Differentiation: USEHRE certification demonstrates commitment to patient-centered, standards-based data exchange
  • Reduced Development Costs: Follow clear implementation guides rather than building proprietary solutions
  • Network Effects: As more systems become USEHRE-certified, interoperability improves for everyone
  • Innovation Foundation: Build new features on top of standardized data exchange infrastructure

Why This Matters:

Healthcare suffers when vendors build proprietary silos. Patients can't access their data, providers can't share information, and innovation is stifled. USEHRE provides neutral, open standards that benefit everyone:

  • Patients: Can access and control their health data across any provider
  • Providers: Can exchange information seamlessly to deliver better care
  • Vendors: Can differentiate on features and user experience rather than data lock-in
  • Innovators: Can build new applications knowing they'll work with certified systems

Our Non-Profit Structure: As a 501(c)(3), USEHRE has no financial incentive to favor any vendor or build competitive products. Our board includes representatives from diverse healthcare stakeholders, ensuring balanced governance. Our standards are open and free to implement—we charge only for certification services that verify correct implementation.

Think of us like: The WiFi Alliance (ensures devices interoperate), USB Implementers Forum (ensures USB devices work together), or W3C (web standards). We create the standards; vendors create the products.

USEHRE's AI research is fundamentally different from commercial AI companies—our work is open-source, non-profit, and designed to benefit everyone in healthcare, not maximize shareholder returns.

Research Focus Areas:

  • Medical Imaging Analysis: AI models that detect patterns in X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic imaging for both humans and companion animals
  • Diagnostic Support: Machine learning models that assist clinicians by identifying potential diagnoses based on symptoms, lab results, and patient history
  • Predictive Analytics: Models that predict disease progression, treatment outcomes, and patient risk factors
  • Laboratory Data Analysis: AI that identifies patterns in blood work, pathology results, and other lab tests
  • Comparative Medicine: Cross-species research leveraging data from both human and veterinary medicine to accelerate discoveries

Our Open-Source Approach:

  • Published Research: All findings are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and openly accessible
  • Open-Source Models: AI models are released under permissive open-source licenses for anyone to use, modify, and improve
  • Training Data Standards: We create standardized, de-identified datasets that enable reproducible research
  • Validation Frameworks: We develop testing methodologies to ensure AI models are clinically accurate and unbiased
  • No Commercial Lock-In: Unlike proprietary AI, our models can be implemented by any healthcare organization without licensing fees

Collaboration Model:

  • Academic Partnerships: Joint research with universities and medical schools
  • Hospital Collaborations: Clinical validation with healthcare provider partners
  • Veterinary Institutions: Comparative medicine research with veterinary schools
  • Industry Input: Feedback from technology companies implementing our models
  • Patient Advocacy Groups: Ensuring research priorities align with patient needs

Ethical AI Principles:

  • Bias Detection: Active testing for and mitigation of racial, gender, and socioeconomic biases
  • Transparency: Clear documentation of how models make decisions
  • Privacy Protection: All research uses de-identified data with strict privacy controls
  • Clinical Validation: Models must demonstrate clinical accuracy before release
  • Human Oversight: AI assists clinicians; it doesn't replace human judgment

Real-World Applications:

  • Free AI-powered diagnostic assistance for under-resourced clinics
  • Open-source tools that small practices can afford to implement
  • Research that advances treatment for rare diseases without commercial incentives
  • Veterinary AI tools that make advanced diagnostics accessible to pet owners

Get Involved: Researchers, clinicians, and healthcare organizations can participate in our AI research. Contact [email protected] to learn about collaboration opportunities, access datasets, or contribute to model development.

USEHRE is launching with a strategic, phased approach that ensures sustainable growth while maintaining quality standards and local compliance.

Phase 1: United States Foundation (2025-2026)

  • Headquarters: Established in Pennsylvania with primary operations
  • Initial Focus: Standards development, certification framework, and US partnerships
  • Pilot Programs: Early adopter healthcare systems and technology platforms
  • Regulatory: HIPAA compliance, US healthcare regulations, FDA guidance integration
  • Market: US healthcare providers, EHR vendors, and veterinary platforms
  • Infrastructure: Core technical systems, certification processes, and governance structures

Phase 2: Mexico Expansion (2026-2027)

  • Regional Office: Mexico City with dedicated staff
  • Language Support: Full Spanish language standards, documentation, and support
  • Local Partnerships: Mexican healthcare institutions, technology companies, and government agencies
  • Regulatory Compliance: Mexican health data regulations and privacy laws
  • Cultural Adaptation: Standards adapted for Mexican healthcare practices and preferences
  • Cross-Border Integration: Seamless data exchange between US and Mexican systems

Phase 3: Spain & European Union (2027-2029)

  • European Headquarters: Madrid office serving Spain and EU operations
  • GDPR Compliance: Full compliance with European data protection regulations
  • Multi-Language Support: Spanish, English, French, German, and other European languages
  • EU Healthcare Standards: Integration with European health data standards and regulations
  • National Health Systems: Partnerships with public healthcare systems across Europe
  • Research Networks: Collaboration with European research institutions and medical societies

Phase 4: Global Expansion (2029+)

  • United Nations Partnership: Collaboration with WHO and other UN health organizations
  • Regional Offices: Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, South America
  • Developing Nations Focus: Accessible standards and support for resource-limited healthcare systems
  • Global Provider Network: Worldwide directory of USEHRE-certified providers
  • Emergency Response: Standards supporting global health emergencies and disaster response
  • Universal Coverage: Presence in all UN member countries with local regulatory compliance

Consistent Elements Across All Phases:

  • Local regulatory compliance and data protection
  • Native language support and cultural adaptation
  • Regional partnerships with healthcare stakeholders
  • Local certification and support services
  • Global interoperability ensuring data exchange across regions

Timeline: While we have target dates, actual expansion depends on successful pilot programs, regulatory approvals, and partnership development. Our priority is quality and sustainability over rapid growth.

USEHRE's board of directors provides strategic guidance, ensures ethical governance, and represents diverse healthcare stakeholders. We seek accomplished professionals passionate about healthcare interoperability.

Ideal Board Member Expertise:

  • Healthcare Technology: Leaders from EHR vendors, health IT companies, or digital health startups with deep understanding of healthcare software
  • Medical Practice: Practicing physicians, nurses, or healthcare administrators who understand real-world clinical workflows and patient care
  • Veterinary Medicine: Veterinarians or veterinary hospital administrators familiar with companion animal healthcare challenges
  • Data Standards: Experts in HL7 FHIR, LOINC, SNOMED CT, or other healthcare data standards organizations
  • Cybersecurity & Privacy: Information security professionals with healthcare compliance experience (HIPAA, GDPR)
  • Non-Profit Governance: Experienced board members from other 501(c)(3) organizations who understand non-profit best practices
  • Healthcare Policy: Policy experts, former regulators, or healthcare lawyers familiar with health data regulations
  • AI & Research: Machine learning researchers, data scientists, or medical informatics specialists
  • Finance & Operations: CFOs, accountants, or operational leaders who can ensure financial sustainability
  • Patient Advocacy: Patient advocates or representatives from patient rights organizations

Board Responsibilities:

  • Strategic direction and long-term planning
  • Financial oversight and budget approval
  • Policy development and governance framework
  • Standards review and approval
  • Partnership and collaboration decisions
  • Executive director oversight and evaluation
  • Fundraising and development support
  • Public representation and advocacy
  • Conflict of interest management
  • Ensuring mission alignment

Time Commitment:

  • Quarterly board meetings (4 per year, 2-3 hours each)
  • Committee participation (1-2 committees, monthly meetings)
  • Annual strategic planning retreat (1-2 days)
  • Occasional special meetings as needed
  • Individual advocacy and networking on behalf of USEHRE
  • Estimated total: 60-80 hours per year

What We Value:

  • Diversity: Varied professional backgrounds, geographic locations, gender, race, and perspectives
  • Independence: Ability to make decisions in USEHRE's best interest, not representing any single organization
  • Commitment: Genuine passion for healthcare interoperability and patient-centered care
  • Collaboration: Ability to work constructively with fellow board members from diverse backgrounds
  • Integrity: Highest ethical standards and transparency
  • Vision: Strategic thinking about the future of healthcare data exchange

Board Compensation: USEHRE board positions are volunteer (unpaid), though travel and meeting expenses are reimbursed. We believe in service-oriented governance focused on mission impact.

Application Process:

  1. Submit letter of interest and CV/resume to [email protected]
  2. Describe your relevant expertise and why you're passionate about USEHRE's mission
  3. Nominating committee reviews applications
  4. Selected candidates invited for interviews
  5. Board votes on new member nominations
  6. Term typically 3 years, renewable

Current Openings: We're particularly seeking expertise in AI/machine learning, veterinary medicine, international healthcare regulations, and patient advocacy. However, exceptional candidates with other relevant backgrounds are always welcome to apply.

Certification timeline depends on your organization's starting point, technical resources, and system complexity. We work with you to create a realistic timeline that ensures quality implementation.

Typical Timeline Scenarios:

  • Modern FHIR-Compliant Systems (3-6 months): Organizations already using HL7 FHIR APIs with modern infrastructure can achieve certification relatively quickly
  • Partially Compliant Systems (6-12 months): Systems with some interoperability features but needing USEHRE-specific extensions and enhancements
  • Legacy Systems (12-18 months): Older systems requiring significant architectural updates, new APIs, and infrastructure modernization
  • Greenfield Implementations (9-15 months): Building new platforms from scratch following USEHRE standards

Detailed Process Timeline:

Phase 1: Initial Assessment (2-4 weeks)

  • Application submission and documentation review
  • Initial consultation call with USEHRE certification team
  • Gap analysis comparing your current system to USEHRE requirements
  • Customized implementation roadmap development
  • Timeline and resource estimation
  • Deliverable: Detailed gap analysis report and project plan

Phase 2: Technical Implementation (Varies by System)

  • Development of FHIR APIs and data structures
  • Integration of security and encryption requirements
  • Implementation of patient-controlled access features
  • Development of required USEHRE extensions and profiles
  • Internal testing and quality assurance
  • Technical support from USEHRE team included
  • Regular progress check-ins (bi-weekly or monthly)
  • Deliverable: Fully implemented USEHRE-compliant system

Phase 3: Security Audit (4-6 weeks)

  • Independent third-party security assessment
  • Penetration testing and vulnerability scanning
  • HIPAA/GDPR compliance verification
  • Encryption and access control testing
  • Remediation of any identified issues
  • Re-testing after fixes
  • Deliverable: Security audit report and sign-off

Phase 4: Compliance Testing (2-3 weeks)

  • USEHRE technical team tests all required functionality
  • API interoperability verification
  • Data standard compliance (FHIR, LOINC, SNOMED CT)
  • Patient consent and access control testing
  • Cross-platform data exchange validation
  • Deliverable: Compliance test results

Phase 5: Final Review & Certification (1-2 weeks)

  • Final documentation review
  • Certification committee evaluation
  • Issuance of USEHRE certification
  • Certification badge and marketing materials
  • Public announcement and directory listing
  • Deliverable: Official USEHRE certification

Factors Affecting Timeline:

  • Development Resources: Dedicated team vs. part-time resources
  • System Complexity: Number of data types, user roles, integrations
  • Current Architecture: Modern vs. legacy infrastructure
  • Organizational Priorities: Fast-track vs. standard certification path
  • Remediation Needs: Security or compliance issues requiring fixes

Support Throughout Process:

  • Dedicated certification manager assigned to your project
  • Technical documentation and implementation guides
  • Regular office hours for questions and guidance
  • Private Slack/forum channel for real-time support
  • Sample code, reference implementations, and testing tools

Fast-Track Option: For organizations with urgent deadlines, we offer expedited certification with dedicated resources (additional fees apply). Fast-track can reduce timeline by 25-40% for qualified systems.

Get Started: Contact [email protected] for a preliminary assessment and customized timeline estimate for your organization.

USEHRE uses a fair, tiered pricing model designed to make certification accessible to organizations of all sizes while ensuring our sustainability as a non-profit.

Tiered Pricing Structure:

  • Small Practices (1-10 providers): $5,000 - $15,000
    • Solo practitioners, small veterinary clinics, independent practices
    • Streamlined certification process
    • Standard technical support
  • Medium Organizations (11-100 providers): $15,000 - $50,000
    • Multi-location practices, medium-sized hospitals, regional health systems
    • Comprehensive certification support
    • Dedicated certification manager
  • Large Organizations (100+ providers): $50,000 - $200,000
    • Major hospital systems, large EHR vendors, national veterinary chains
    • White-glove service and priority support
    • Customized implementation timeline
  • Platform/Software Vendors: Custom Pricing
    • Based on number of customer deployments
    • Volume discounts for widespread implementation
    • Joint marketing opportunities included

What's Included in Certification Fees:

  • Initial Gap Analysis: Comprehensive assessment of your current system
  • Implementation Support: Technical guidance and documentation throughout the process
  • Security Audit: Independent third-party security assessment (coordinator by USEHRE)
  • Compliance Testing: Full testing of all USEHRE requirements
  • Certification Badge: Official USEHRE certification mark for marketing
  • Directory Listing: Inclusion in USEHRE certified provider directory
  • First Year Support: Technical support for 12 months post-certification
  • Standards Access: Full access to all USEHRE specifications and updates

Annual Recertification Fees:

  • Required to maintain certification and ensure ongoing compliance
  • Typically 20-30% of initial certification fee
  • Includes: compliance review, updated standards access, continued support
  • Example: If initial certification was $20,000, annual recertification is $4,000-$6,000

Discounts & Financial Assistance:

  • Non-Profit Discount: 25% off for 501(c)(3) healthcare organizations
  • Community Health Centers: 40% discount for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
  • Underserved Communities: Up to 50% discount for organizations primarily serving underserved populations
  • Veterinary Clinics: 20% discount for veterinary practices (promoting animal health interoperability)
  • Early Adopter Program: Special rates for first 100 certified organizations (limited time)
  • Research Grants: Grant funding available for organizations participating in USEHRE research initiatives
  • Payment Plans: Extended payment terms available for qualifying organizations

Additional Optional Services (Separate Fees):

  • Fast-Track Certification: +30% fee for expedited processing
  • Custom Integration Development: Hourly consulting for complex implementations
  • Staff Training Programs: On-site or virtual training for your team
  • Extended Support: 24/7 support packages available

Why We Charge:

As a non-profit, certification fees support:

  • Standards development and maintenance (not funded by fees)
  • Non-profit AI research benefiting all of healthcare
  • Free educational resources and documentation
  • Community outreach and advocacy
  • Support for underserved healthcare providers

Transparency Commitment: All revenue from certification is reinvested in USEHRE's mission. Our Form 990 (non-profit tax filing) is publicly available showing exactly how funds are used. No money goes to private shareholders or owners because we don't have any—we're a true non-profit.

Get a Custom Quote: Every organization is different. Contact [email protected] with information about your organization to receive a detailed pricing proposal tailored to your specific situation. We'll work with you to find an affordable path to certification.

Free Consultation: Initial consultation and gap analysis estimate are always free—no obligation to proceed with certification.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help. Contact us for personalized assistance.