Telstra Health and HealthLink pioneer FHIR integration for smart referrals in the cloud

Telstra Health and marketplace partner HealthLink, a leading referral technology in Australia, today announced the integration of HealthLink SmartForms into Helix, to digitally transform the referrals process for Telstra Health’s customers using its cloud-based general practice patient management software.

The integration of HealthLink SmartForms with Helix enables users to electronically refer patients to any healthcare provider or related service quickly and reliably, removing the time and cost burdens associated with paper-based referrals. Helix joins other Telstra Health solutions, such as MedicalDirector Clinical, Pracsoft, and Bluechip, in offering enhanced clinical workflows, seamless data exchange, and increased efficiency through digitised referrals.

A group of general practices using Helix successfully implemented HealthLink SmartForms as part of an early adopter program, reporting positive feedback, efficiency gains and better user experiences for both patients and clinicians. Multiple stages of rigorous testing and validation followed to ensure reliability, robustness and readiness for broader implementation.

HealthLink is the first partner to integrate with a Telstra Health product using Telstra Health’s Smart API+ solution, launched in August to offer technology partners a unified FHIR-based gateway to connect seamlessly with Telstra Health’s primary care software.

Telstra Health’s General Manager Ecosystem, Louise Ryves, said this integration provides a useful blueprint for the digitisation of our sector while ensuring compatibility and interoperability into the future.

“By aligning our solutions to FHIR standards, and forming strong technology partnerships, like the one we have with HealthLink, we can quickly break down the barriers to a more integrated health system by enabling our partners to build once and then integrate many times.

“This integration validates our investment into connected care, including Smart API+, and it's exciting to see the positive impact it is having already for our customers and partners, by making integrations easier, safer and more cost effective,” said Louise.

For HealthLink, part of global healthtech company Clanwilliam, this integration is also significant, as it represents the first time the technology partner has integrated with a software provider using the FHIR standards, opening more opportunities for standardisation across the healthcare sector.

This integration highlights HealthLink’s technology direction and alignment with broader national health objectives. The work being done with the Department of Health and Aged Care (DOHAC) and initiatives like the CSIRO Sparked Program underscores the importance of innovation and interoperability in advancing the national digital health agenda. Through these collaborations, both organisations are contributing to the creation of a more connected and efficient healthcare system.

David Young, Managing Director of HealthLink, Clanwilliam Australia, added,

“This is one of our many exciting projects in the pipeline, focusing on collaboration with partners, which we believe is key to advancing true interoperability in Australia.

“We are delighted to see our long-term investment in FHIR-based integrations being realised for the first time in the market with this SmartForm deployment in Helix through Telstra Health’s Smart API+ solution, and we look forward to developing more standards-based FHIR solutions for general practice in conjunction with government and industry.

“With up to 90% of general practices in NSW using HealthLink’s SmartForm technology to refer patients from their practice management system to other organisations, this integration presents an opportunity for practices Australia wide and is a game-changer for our customers and partners,” said David

To learn about the benefits of using Helix for general practice, visit: https://www.telstrahealth.com/products/helix/

To find out more about partnering with Telstra Health using Smart API+, visit: https://www.telstrahealth.com/products/smart-api/

To find out more about HealthLink SmartForms, visit: https://www.healthlink.com.au/products/healthlink-smartforms/

Telstra Health Media Contact: Claire James | 0425 887 397

HealthLink Media Contact: Lauren Turner | +44 777 3535 696 & Nadia Heta | 0450 537 751

About Telstra Health
Telstra Health is Australia’s largest provider of digital solutions and services to healthcare providers and governments across the care continuum. Telstra Health has established a unique footprint, both locally in Australia and internationally, through its deep experience and expertise across the entire spectrum of health, aged care and social services. Telstra Health works to improve lives through digitally-enabled care for the communities it supports. It strives to realise a connected and improved digital health experience for all, delivering value to patients and providers.

About HealthLink
HealthLink, part of Clanwilliam, is Australasia’s largest Health IT network, connecting more than 15,000 medical organisations and facilitating the secure exchange of over 100 million clinical messages annually. HealthLink’s solutions enable healthcare providers to seamlessly integrate with other health systems, ensuring the accurate and timely sharing of clinical information. Through innovative technology and a commitment to interoperability, HealthLink empowers healthcare professionals to deliver better patient outcomes. HealthLink was acquired by Clanwilliam, a global healthcare technology organisation, in 2017 and forms part of the Clanwilliam ANZ division which includes leading healthcare technology products and brands: Konnect NET (medical information request platform for insurers), Toniq (pharmacy software), and MBS (anaesthetic private practice software).

Connecting health providers across Australia