BACKGROUND:
Providers struggle to enroll and participate in the CHILD Profile Immunization Registry (CPIR). Data entry is cost and time prohibitive with existing resources. As providers implement EMR and practice management products, HL7 batch or real time data export is an attractive option. Registry staff work as a liaison between providers and vendors to achieve data transfer and registry participation.

OBJECTIVE:
* Improve vendor and provider relationships to obtain data exchange with CPIR, offering education to vendors and providers about a registry interface.
* Monitor the interface development process to completion and data transfer.

METHOD:
A CPIR staff person is designated as the key contact for EMR and practice management vendors. Common products and vendors for private providers and local health jurisdictions in WA state were researched. CPIR staff made direct, ongoing contact with key vendors, keeping a registry interface on the vendor project list. CPIR staff educated vendors about immunization registries and the need for a data export feature. Providers considering an EMR purchase were coached to require a registry interface in the product.

RESULT:
1. Direct contact made with 10 vendors.
2. Obtained first HL7 real time data in CPIR.
3. Obtained data sharing function as "standard feature" for two EMR products to date.

CONCLUSION:
CPIR staff have played an important role making EMR/practice management vendors familiar with immunization registries. Providers have made more vendor contacts, requiring a registry interface in the EMR products they consider, resulting in successful HL7 batch and HL7 real time data exchange.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify importance of the facilitator role of registry staff to obtain a registry interface as a "standard feature" of vendor products.
2. Recognize the value of provider contact with vendors to obtain a registry interface.
3. Recognize value of vendor contact by registry staff and need for ongoing contact to obtain the interface.