Why Senior Living Facilities Should Work with an MSP for HL7

Introduction: HL7 Isn’t DIY Anymore

HL7 is the backbone of healthcare interoperability but setting it up properly isn't easy especially in senior care environments where EMRs, devices, and workflows vary widely. That’s why partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like IT Tech Solutions and Vitals Xchange makes more sense than going alone.

What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) in Healthcare?

Definition and Services

An MSP provides outsourced IT services, including infrastructure, compliance, cybersecurity, and integration support. In healthcare, MSPs are increasingly critical as facilities deal with complex integrations like HL7, HIPAA compliance, and multi-system interoperability.

What MSPs Handle for HL7

MSPs don’t just set up HL7 connections and walk away. They manage the full lifecycle:

• Interface Management: Ensuring that data moves seamlessly between your medical devices and EMR through well-maintained HL7 interfaces. They handle message mapping, formatting, and system-specific requirements.

• Vendor Coordination (EMR + Device): MSPs act as your single point of contact between vitals monitor vendors (like Edan or MD Pro) and EMR platforms (like PointClickCare or MatrixCare), streamlining troubleshooting and upgrades.

• Issue Resolution: When things go wrong—and they sometimes do—MSPs troubleshoot the HL7 message flow, logs, and errors to quickly identify root causes and resolve them without involving your clinical or IT staff.

• Ongoing Monitoring: Proactive system checks ensure your integrations are working 24/7. MSPs monitor message queues, delivery status, and error logs, often fixing problems before you even notice them.

MSP vs Vendor

Vendors provide the tools—MSPs make them work. While device or EMR vendors may help with integration during onboarding, their support usually ends there. MSPs offer proactive, ongoing support that includes system updates, patches, custom changes, and continuous optimization. They deliver end-to-end visibility and accountability, not just ticket-based assistance.

Why HL7 Needs an MSP Model

HL7 Isn’t One and Done

Many assume HL7 is a "set it and forget it" technology. It’s not. Interfaces need regular updates to stay secure, efficient, and aligned with current workflows. An MSP ensures your HL7 connections don’t degrade or fall behind.

EMR Requirements Change

EMR vendors often change HL7 schemas, APIs, or authentication methods during software updates. Without constant oversight, those changes can break integrations. MSPs stay on top of EMR updates and adjust your HL7 connections proactively to prevent disruption.

Support at Scale

If you operate across multiple buildings, states, or facilities, managing HL7 at scale becomes exponentially harder. An MSP centralizes support, documentation, monitoring, and response across your entire enterprise—ensuring consistent performance in every location.

Key Benefits of Working with an MSP for HL7 Integration

24/7 Monitoring & Support

MSPs provide round-the-clock system oversight to detect and resolve issues before they impact care delivery. This includes up-time alerts, failed message retries, and system health dashboards that you don’t have to manage yourself.

Faster Deployment & Resolution

MSPs like IT Tech Solutions specialize in HL7 and have pre-built frameworks, your facility can go live in weeks instead of months. And if an issue arises, IT Tech has a dedicated HL7 engineer and technical staff to fix it fast—without requiring you to open support tickets with multiple vendors.

No Need for In-House HL7 Developers

Hiring in-house HL7 developers or integration architects is expensive and often impractical for small to mid-size healthcare providers. MSPs offer fractional access to that expertise without the full-time headcount costs.

Full EMR + Device Coordination

With an MSP, you're not the middleman. They coordinate directly with your EMR and device vendors, managing everything from interface credentials to message testing to error reporting. This eliminates finger-pointing and accelerates implementation.

The Power of Partnership: IT Tech Solutions + Vitals Xchange

When you combine the IT infrastructure expertise of IT Tech Solutions with the HL7 and clinical integration capabilities of Vitals Xchange, you get:

• Fully Managed HL7 Integration with VX Connect: From interface setup to monitoring, it’s all handled for you.

• Deep Expertise in Senior Living, SNFs, and Post-Acute Care: These aren't hospital-centric solutions, they’re designed for your exact environment.

• Compatibility with Industry-Leading Devices and EMRs: Including Edan, MD Pro, Mindray, PointClickCare, MatrixCare, and more.

• Alignment with Compliance and Staffing Goals: Automation reduces risk, labor costs, and burnout while ensuring HIPAA compliance.

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MSP vs In-House: What’s Right for You?

Costs

An MSP subscription typically costs less than hiring one HL7 integration expert. And for multi-facility operations, the savings are even greater.

Speed

With pre-built connectors, EMR experience, and vendor relationships, MSPs cut deployment time drastically.

Scale

MSPs are designed to grow with you. Whether you add one building or ten, your HL7 infrastructure stays seamless and scalable.

HL7 + MSP = Nurse Productivity and Better Care

• Eliminates Double Entry and Manual Vitals Charting: Vitals are sent directly from the device to the EMR, no typing required.

• Improves Real-Time Data Availability: Nurses and doctors get instant access to accurate vitals for better decision-making.

• Reduces Clinical Documentation Errors: Automated data capture reduces human mistakes, improving chart accuracy.

• Frees Nurses to Focus on Resident Care: Less charting time means more hands-on care, reduced stress, and better outcomes.

Conclusion: The Smartest HL7 Strategy is Partnering with the Right MSP

In senior care, time, accuracy, and compliance are everything. An MSP like IT Tech Solutions, paired with Vitals Xchange's VX Connect HL7, gives you peace of mind, technical precision, and operational efficiency.

Ready to simplify HL7 for your facility?
Let an experienced MSP do the heavy lifting so you can focus on delivering exceptional care.