HL7 v2 message exercise

For this exercise, you need to create a valid HL7 v2 message using any online HL7 v2 editor of your choice. You can also use the Medblocks HL7 v2 Message Editor if you prefer.

Your task

Create an HL7 v2 message for a healthcare event. As you build your message, use the HL7 v2 specification to know which segments or fields are required or optional, the data type of each field, what values are allowed, and the correct order of the segments. Try adding values to the optional fields as well to make the message more meaningful. This will help you understand how an HL7 v2 message can carry more information while still following the message structure defined by the specification.

Submit your response

Once you’ve created and validated your message, post it in the comments below. Along with the message, tell us what type of message you created and what event it represents. Don’t worry if your first message isn’t perfect. The goal of this exercise is to make you comfortable with the specification, in constructing the message, and understanding why each segment and field has a dedicated place in the message.

Next

In the next lesson, we’ll talk about an important question: why was a healthcare messaging standard like HL7 v2 needed in the first place?