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12 Best Healthcare Integration Engines Shortlist

After exhaustive research, I've handpicked 12 outstanding healthcare integration engines:

  1. ESO EHD - Best for swift, secure EMS-to-hospital data transfer
  2. Change Healthcare Clinical Network Solutions - Best for clinical exchange with nationwide reach
  3. CareTeam - Best for coordinated, patient-focused care across providers
  4. CareAware - Best for device integration enhancing patient safety
  5. iNTERFACEWARE - Best for customization flexibility in data mapping and translation
  6. Definitive Healthcare - Best for actionable insights from the comprehensive healthcare database
  7. Redox Engine - Best for unified healthcare data exchange across any software
  8. Smile HDF - Best for compliance with FHIR standards
  9. Hillrom - Best for real-time medical device data integration
  10. MuleSoft - Best for API-led connectivity driving healthcare innovation
  11. CorePoint Integration Engine - Best for high-performance healthcare integration with reliable uptime
  12. Qvera Interface Engine (QIE) - Best for HL7 integration with top-notch interoperability

Having experienced the struggles of interface development firsthand, I can't emphasize enough the value of having a robust healthcare interface that supports a multitude of data formats, web services, and easy drag-and-drop functionality.

That's where medical practice management software enters the picture - it serves as a cost-effective, integrated solution that allows you to streamline your workflow, reduce downtime, and automate time-consuming tasks. Trust me, once you've experienced the convenience and functionality of comprehensive medical practice management software, you'll never look back.

What Is a Healthcare Integration Engine?

A healthcare integration engine is a specialized software tool primarily used by healthcare providers, IT teams, and administrators to facilitate, secure data exchange between different healthcare systems. Its core purpose is to translate, map, and route health data from one system to another in real-time, irrespective of the software's underlying technology or platform.

This enables a unified view of patient data, fostering improved clinical decision-making, coordinated care, and administrative efficiency. Ultimately, these tools empower healthcare organizations to better manage patient information, improving both the quality and continuity of care.

The most profound benefit of using this software is that it allows your healthcare organization to focus on what it does best – providing excellent patient care – by alleviating the need to worry about back-end integration challenges. This solution addresses major pain points like lack of interoperability, data management complexities, and high operating costs, ultimately simplifying the entire process.

12 Best Healthcare Integration Engine Overviews

1. ESO EHD - Best for swift, secure EMS-to-hospital data transfer

Sample of ESO EHD's lead ECG performance
Here's a sample of ESO EHD's lead ECG performance.

ESO EHD is a healthcare integration engine that pioneers real-time EMS-to-hospital data sharing. It is designed to streamline the process of pre-hospital data capture, ensuring quick and accurate information is delivered to awaiting medical teams.

Why I Picked ESO EHD:

The primary reason I chose ESO EHD is its unique focus on the EMS sector. It stands out with its ability to effectively bridge the gap between EMS teams in the field and the hospital staff. I believe it's "best for swift, secure EMS-to-hospital data transfer" due to its commitment to improving the speed and reliability of critical medical data sharing, enhancing patient outcomes even in high-stress, emergency scenarios.

Standout Features & Integrations:

ESO EHD offers robust data validation and conflict resolution features, ensuring data integrity during the exchange. Furthermore, it enhances patient handoff with a narrative summary in a familiar SOAP format.

As for integrations, ESO EHD excels in connecting with multiple electronic health records (EHR) systems, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and patient care devices to create a holistic patient view.

Pricing:

Pricing for ESO EHD is available upon request.

Pros:

  • Specialized for EMS-to-hospital data transfer
  • Strong data validation and conflict resolution
  • Integrates with a wide range of EHRs and patient care devices

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not readily available
  • Might have a learning curve for non-EMS users
  • Could be an overkill for small healthcare setups not needing EMS data exchange

2. Change Healthcare Clinical Network Solutions - Best for clinical exchange with nationwide reach

Change Healthcare Clinical Network Solutions website screenshot
Change Healthcare Clinical Network Solutions' website view screenshot

Change Healthcare Clinical Network Solutions offer a sophisticated integration platform aimed at managing complex data flows across diverse healthcare networks. With a vast suite of solutions, this tool connects clinicians, pharmacies, labs, and payers ensuring efficient information exchange.

Why I Picked Change Healthcare Clinical Network Solutions:

Change Healthcare Clinical Network Solutions caught my eye with its comprehensive approach to healthcare data management. It stands out by offering a single solution that caters to multiple stakeholders in the healthcare industry, from clinicians to pharmacies to payers.

My judgment that it is "best for diverse healthcare network data management" stems from its ability to facilitate effective data communication across varied healthcare systems, making it an excellent choice for complex healthcare setups.

Standout Features & Integrations:

The platform offers a suite of solutions for various healthcare domains. Notably, it provides a Clinical Exchange EHR that eases clinical data sharing and Clinical Direct Messaging, a secure, direct protocol-based messaging feature.

As for integrations, it connects with a multitude of EMR and EHR systems, lab management systems, pharmacies, and payer systems, providing a wide-reaching clinical data network.

Pricing:

Pricing for Change Healthcare Clinical Network Solutions is available upon request.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive suite of solutions for diverse healthcare networks
  • Advanced features like Clinical Exchange EHR and Clinical Direct Messaging
  • Broad spectrum of integrations with EHR systems, labs, pharmacies, and payers

Cons:

  • Pricing is not readily available
  • Could be complex for small-scale healthcare providers
  • May require significant resources for full implementation

3. CareTeam - Best for coordinated, patient-focused care across providers

A patient dashboard in CareTeam healthcare integration engine
Here's a CareTeam's patient dashboard screenshot.

CareTeam is a robust healthcare integration engine that creates a centralized, dynamic care plan, promoting teamwork in healthcare management. As a digital tool, it encourages multi-disciplinary involvement in patient care, tying into its strength as the best solution for collaborative patient care.

Why I Picked CareTeam:

I picked CareTeam because it embodies a modern approach to healthcare management by promoting collaboration and connectivity. Its standout feature is its ability to centralize patient information and foster a dynamic care plan.

The reason I see CareTeam as the "best for collaborative patient care" is because of its comprehensive integration capabilities which allow all parties involved in patient care to be in sync, thus enhancing overall care quality.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Key features of CareTeam include creating dynamic care plans, providing secure messaging and video capabilities, and offering an intuitive patient portal. The platform integrates with many Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, which can provide real-time data to create a comprehensive view of the patient's health and care.

Pricing:

CareTeam's pricing information is available upon request.

Pros:

  • Encourages collaboration and improves coordination in patient care
  • Easy integration with multiple EHR systems
  • Offers secure messaging and video capabilities

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not readily available
  • The user interface might be overwhelming for first-time users
  • Might require training for healthcare providers to fully utilize its functionalities

4. CareAware - Best for device integration enhancing patient safety

Messaging feature of CareAware healthcare integration engine
Here's a messaging feature screenshot in CareAware.

CareAware is a healthcare integration engine that connects medical devices to electronic health records (EHRs), providing real-time patient information. As an essential tool for health facilities, it offers an easy connection between medical devices and digital records, making it the best option for medical device integration.

Why I Picked CareAware:

In my selection process, I picked CareAware due to its unique focus on medical device integration. This tool stands out for its capability to connect a diverse range of medical devices to EHRs, which significantly improves real-time patient monitoring.

It is "best for medical device integration" as it bridges the gap between physical monitoring devices and digital patient records.

Standout Features & Integrations:

CareAware's main features include bi-directional device connectivity and a unified interface for managing multiple devices.

The platform provides integrations with numerous EHR systems and medical devices, helping consolidate patient information and enhance real-time monitoring.

Pricing:

The pricing for CareAware is available upon request.

Pros:

  • Offers robust connectivity with a wide range of medical devices
  • Provides a unified interface for managing multiple devices
  • Enhances real-time patient monitoring with EHR integrations

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not transparent
  • May require technical knowledge for optimal use
  • The number of integrations could be overwhelming for some users

5. iNTERFACEWARE - Best for customization flexibility in data mapping and translation

iNTERFACEWARE Iguana dashboard
Take a look at iNTERFACEWARE Iguana dashboard overview.

iNTERFACEWARE is a healthcare integration engine that primarily focuses on providing quick and efficient health data integration solutions. It helps healthcare providers and software developers establish connections between disparate healthcare systems, making it best for those needing rapid integration.

Why I Picked iNTERFACEWARE:

The reason I chose iNTERFACEWARE for this list is due to its emphasis on speed and simplicity in integration. This tool stands apart because of its fast data integration capabilities and ease of use.

It's "best for rapid healthcare integration" due to the way it streamlines data flow between different healthcare systems, aiding in swift decision-making.

Standout Features & Integrations:

iNTERFACEWARE offers robust features such as a graphical data mapper and customizable web dashboards. Its powerful integration capabilities include compatibility with various data standards like HL7, FHIR, DICOM, and more, making it useful in a diverse range of healthcare settings.

Pricing:

Pricing for iNTERFACEWARE is available upon request.

Pros:

  • Rapid integration between disparate healthcare systems
  • Supports multiple healthcare data standards
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not openly available
  • May have a learning curve for non-technical users
  • Customizing web dashboards could be complex for some users

6. Definitive Healthcare - Best for actionable insights from the comprehensive healthcare database

Definitive Healthcare analytics dashboard
Here's a screenshot of Definitive Healthcare's analytics dashboard.

Definitive Healthcare is a leading provider of data and intelligence in the healthcare provider market. Its platform leverages advanced analytics to provide comprehensive and detailed insights into healthcare providers and institutions. This is best for those who need to make informed business decisions in the healthcare sector.

Why I Picked Definitive Healthcare:

I chose Definitive Healthcare because it offers a data-rich platform that provides detailed insights, something that sets it apart from other market intelligence tools. In my judgment,

Definitive Healthcare is "best for healthcare market insights" because it offers unparalleled depth and breadth in healthcare market data, which is critical in making well-informed business decisions in the healthcare sector.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Definitive Healthcare offers several outstanding features, including comprehensive healthcare databases and advanced analytics. The platform integrates well with various customer relationship management (CRM) tools and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, allowing for data flow and a more streamlined process for managing market insights.

Pricing:

The pricing information for Definitive Healthcare is not publicly disclosed and is available upon request.

Pros:

  • Provides in-depth data and analytics for the healthcare provider market
  • Integrates well with CRM and ERP systems
  • Has comprehensive healthcare databases

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not readily available
  • The vast amount of data may be overwhelming for new users
  • Potential learning curve for the advanced analytics feature

7. Redox Engine - Best for unified healthcare data exchange across any software

Connections data flow dashboard of Redox Engine healthcare integration engine
An overview of Redox Engine connections data flow dashboard.

Redox Engine is a modern healthcare integration platform designed to simplify the way healthcare data is exchanged between systems. It standardizes data, maintains healthcare data models, and provides one connection that can be used across healthcare systems. This makes it the best pick for standardized healthcare data integration.

Why I Picked Redox Engine:

In my selection process, Redox Engine stood out for its modern approach to healthcare data integration. The platform's focus on standardizing data and providing a single connection for data exchange makes it unique in the healthcare IT space.

For these reasons, I determined Redox Engine to be "Best for standardized healthcare data integration".

Standout Features & Integrations:

Redox Engine's most notable features include its robust API, data onboarding tools, and the ability to integrate with any software using healthcare standards like HL7 or FHIR. It also integrates with a multitude of healthcare systems, EHRs, and other healthcare tech software, making it incredibly versatile.

Pricing:

The pricing information for Redox Engine is not readily available and is offered upon request.

Pros:

  • Provides a robust API for integration
  • Offers data onboarding tools to assist in the integration process
  • Can integrate with any software using healthcare data standards

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not publicly disclosed
  • Might require technical knowledge to fully utilize
  • Some customers may prefer traditional, non-API methods of data integration

8. Smile HDF - Best for compliance with FHIR standards

Smile HDF home page screenshot
Here's a home page view of the Smile HDF website.

Smile CDR is a health data platform that helps in storing, managing, and exchanging health data according to the FHIR standards. The platform's ability to facilitate complete control over your health data, while adhering to global data standards makes it the best choice for managing FHIR data.

Why I Picked Smile CDR:

In my selection process, Smile CDR emerged as a unique tool due to its specialized focus on the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standards for health data. It caught my attention because it provides comprehensive control over health data. Considering these attributes, I picked Smile CDR as the best for managing FHIR data.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Smile CDR has impressive features like FHIR data management, security, and compliance tools, and a modular architecture. The platform supports integration with various health information systems, including EHRs, PACS, lab systems, and public health reporting systems.

Pricing:

The pricing details for Smile CDR are not publicly disclosed and are provided upon request.

Pros:

  • Adherence to FHIR standards for health data
  • Robust security and compliance features
  • Supports integration with various health information systems

Cons:

  • Pricing details are not publicly available
  • Could have a steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with FHIR
  • The specific focus on FHIR may limit use for non-FHIR data systems

9. Hillrom - Best for real-time medical device data integration

Hillrom website overview
An overview of Hillrom website.

Hillrom offers a specialized tool, Excel Medical Device Integration (MDI), that simplifies the process of integrating various medical devices into your healthcare IT infrastructure. This tool's focus on medical device integration, along with its capability to enhance patient safety and improve clinical workflows, makes it a top choice for this specific use case.

Why I Picked Hillrom:

In evaluating the list, I was drawn to Hillrom due to its specific focus on medical device integration, an aspect that sets it apart from many other tools.

Furthermore, its reputation for enhancing patient safety and improving clinical workflows played a crucial role in my decision. Thus, I deemed Hillrom to be the best for medical device integration.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Hillrom's Excel MDI stands out for features such as automated data capture from medical devices, real-time patient data access, and a user-friendly interface. It offers key integrations with various health information systems and medical devices, aiding in data flow across a diverse range of equipment.

Pricing:

Hillrom does not publicly disclose the pricing for Excel MDI. It is recommended to contact the company for specific pricing details.

Pros:

  • Specializes in medical device integration
  • Enhances patient safety and improves clinical workflows
  • Provides real-time patient data access

Cons:

  • Pricing is not publicly available
  • May require technical expertise for successful integration
  • Could be expensive for smaller healthcare practices due to its specialized nature

10. MuleSoft - Best for API-led connectivity driving healthcare innovation

MuleSoft healthcare integration engine software
A screenshot of the monitoring overview dashboard in MuleSoft.

MuleSoft is a powerful platform that facilitates the development and integration of microservices in healthcare environments. By providing a robust infrastructure for creating and managing APIs, MuleSoft aids in the realization of efficient, scalable, and easily manageable healthcare systems, making it the best choice for healthcare microservices architecture.

Why I Picked MuleSoft:

After thorough consideration, MuleSoft emerged as my pick due to its comprehensive suite of tools for microservices development and API management.

What separates MuleSoft from other contenders is its robust and scalable infrastructure designed to support large-scale healthcare systems. Hence, I judged MuleSoft as the top choice for managing microservices architecture in healthcare.

Standout Features & Integrations:

MuleSoft excels in offering features such as an API-led connectivity approach, runtime services for microservices, and strong security protocols. Additionally, MuleSoft provides critical integrations with a multitude of platforms and tools, which can significantly ease the process of incorporating it into existing healthcare IT environments.

Pricing:

MuleSoft does not publicly disclose its pricing, so it's advisable to contact the company directly for specific pricing details.

Pros:

  • Robust and scalable infrastructure for microservices
  • Extensive API management capabilities
  • Provides critical integrations with various platforms

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not publicly available
  • Requires technical expertise for implementation
  • Could be overly complex for smaller healthcare systems

11. CorePoint Integration Engine - Best for high-performance healthcare integration with reliable uptime

CorePoint Integration Engine homepage view screenshot
Here's the CorePoint Integration Engine's home page view.

CorePoint Integration Engine, from Rhapsody Health, is a dedicated solution that manages and streamlines the exchange of healthcare data. With its focus on HL7, a set of international standards for the transfer of clinical and administrative data, CorePoint Integration Engine is highly suitable for HL7 data integration.

Why I Picked CorePoint Integration Engine:

In the process of selecting the ideal tools, I chose CorePoint Integration Engine due to its comprehensive capabilities for handling HL7 data.

What makes it distinct from others is its focus on facilitating communication between different healthcare systems using the HL7 protocol. Based on these reasons, I believe it's the best tool for HL7 data integration.

Standout Features & Integrations:

CorePoint Integration Engine provides a suite of features designed to simplify data exchange in healthcare. These include a user-friendly interface, real-time monitoring capabilities, and customizable templates. Additionally, it integrates with many healthcare systems, databases, and applications, allowing for a more coordinated data flow.

Pricing:

Pricing for CorePoint Integration Engine is not disclosed publicly. To get detailed information about pricing, it is recommended to contact Rhapsody Health directly.

Pros:

  • Designed specifically for HL7 data integration
  • Real-time monitoring capabilities
  • Customizable templates for different use cases

Cons:

  • Pricing details are not transparent
  • May require technical expertise for setup and management
  • Less suitable for non-HL7 data integration tasks

12. Qvera Interface Engine (QIE) - Best for HL7 integration with top-notch interoperability

Qvera Interface Engine (QIE) dashboard sample
Here's a dashboard view in Qvera Interface Engine (QIE).

The Qvera Interface Engine (QIE) is a robust HL7 interface engine that aids healthcare organizations in achieving interoperability. QIE handles, transforms, and routes health information in a manner that ensures data integrity, making it an optimal choice for interoperability in healthcare.

Why I Picked Qvera Interface Engine (QIE):

When I was judging which tool to select for this list, QIE was a natural choice due to its advanced interoperability capabilities. It stood out because of its ability to transform and route data across various healthcare systems while ensuring data integrity. I determined that QIE is best for achieving interoperability in healthcare due to its rich set of features and high reliability.

Standout Features & Integrations:

QIE has a rich set of features designed for interoperability, such as data transformation tools, routing rules, and testing capabilities. It also integrates well with many healthcare systems, including EHRs, labs, and radiology systems, creating a more coordinated and efficient data flow.

Pricing:

Pricing for the Qvera Interface Engine is not publicly available and is typically provided upon request.

Pros:

  • Rich set of features for data transformation and routing
  • Good integration with a wide range of healthcare systems
  • Excellent for achieving interoperability in healthcare

Cons:

  • Pricing is not transparent
  • Might require technical expertise for setup and usage
  • Limited information available online about customer support

Other Healthcare Integration Engine Tools

Below is a list of additional healthcare integration engines that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.

  1. HealthShare Health Connect - Good for unified health record management
  2. Cloverleaf Integration Suite - Good for complex healthcare data integration
  3. Minerva - Good for enhancing data-driven decision-making in healthcare
  4. Oracle SOA Suite - Good for implementing a robust service-oriented architecture
  5. 1upHealth - Good for patient-controlled data sharing
  6. Airstrip ONE - Good for mobile access to patient data
  7. BridgeGate Health Integration Suite - Good for optimizing healthcare workflows
  8. CareBridge - Good for EHR and HIE integration
  9. NexHealth - Good for comprehensive patient engagement
  10. Conexes - Good for efficient cloud-based data integration
  11. Datavant - Good for linking de-identified patient data
  12. HealthStream - Good for healthcare workforce development
  13. Eden EcoSystem (EES) - Good for comprehensive telehealth solutions
  14. eMedicalPractice - Good for cloud-based medical practice management

Selection Criteria for Healthcare Integration Engine

Choosing the right healthcare integration software is a pivotal decision that requires careful assessment of various criteria. I have personally tested and researched a wide range of these tools and selected my favorites based on key criteria that are critical for successful healthcare integration.

Core Functionality

This aspect of the criteria evaluates what the tool should essentially enable you to do:

  • Synchronize health records across different platforms
  • Streamline healthcare workflows
  • Promote data-driven decision-making in healthcare
  • Enhance interoperability between disparate healthcare systems

Key Features

The following are the key features that a healthcare integration software should have:

  • Robust security measures to ensure patient data privacy
  • Capabilities to handle complex healthcare data types and structures
  • A flexible and configurable interface to support diverse healthcare workflows
  • Advanced analytics for health outcomes assessment and improvement

Usability

The usability of the software greatly influences the effectiveness of healthcare integration. These are the aspects to consider:

  • An intuitive interface that simplifies the management and exchange of healthcare data
  • An easy-to-use setup and onboarding process that lessens the learning curve for users
  • Comprehensive customer support that provides timely assistance and resolution
  • A modular design that allows the addition or removal of features based on specific needs
  • Tools for monitoring and troubleshooting data exchange processes
  • Training programs or learning resources to help users navigate the complexities of the software. This is especially crucial for complex enterprise solutions that are often used in healthcare settings.

People Also Ask

What are the benefits of using healthcare integration engines?

The use of healthcare integration engines comes with a multitude of benefits:

  • Improved Data Sharing: These engines enable easy and secure data sharing across various healthcare platforms. This helps in providing a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history.
  • Enhanced Workflow Efficiency: By streamlining healthcare data management processes, these tools can significantly enhance workflow efficiency in healthcare organizations.
  • Better Decision Making: Integration engines promote data-driven decision-making by providing real-time access to important healthcare data.
  • Increased Interoperability: These engines improve interoperability among disparate healthcare systems, allowing different software to communicate and work together effectively.
  • Robust Security: Healthcare integration engines employ robust security measures to protect sensitive patient data, complying with privacy regulations such as HIPAA.

How much do healthcare integration engines typically cost?

The cost of healthcare integration engines varies widely, largely depending on the complexity of the software, the number of integrations required, and the scale of the healthcare organization.

What are the common pricing models for these tools?

Healthcare integration engines usually adopt one of three pricing models: subscription-based, usage-based, or a one-time license fee. Subscription-based pricing is recurrent, often monthly or annually, while usage-based pricing depends on the volume of data processed or the number of integrations. The one-time license fee involves a large upfront cost but no recurring charges.

What is the typical range of pricing for healthcare integration engines?

Given the variety of healthcare integration engines available, prices can range from $1000 per month for simpler, cloud-based solutions to several hundred thousand dollars for enterprise-scale, on-premise solutions.

What are some of the cheapest and most expensive software options?

On the cheaper end of the spectrum, solutions like 1upHealth and Qvera Interface Engine (QIE) are more affordable options. On the expensive end, solutions such as CorePoint Integration Engine and Oracle SOA Suite cater to large-scale healthcare organizations with extensive integration needs.

Are there any free tool options for healthcare integration?

While free options are rare in this specific field due to the complexity and specialization of the software, some vendors do offer limited free trials or freemium versions of their software. It's always a good idea to check with the vendor directly for any available free options or trials.

Other Healthcare Software Reviews

Summary

In conclusion, choosing the right healthcare integration engine is a crucial step in managing the complex data needs of healthcare organizations. Such engines offer enhanced interoperability, promote efficient workflows, and safeguard sensitive patient data. The cost of these solutions varies, influenced by factors like the complexity of the software, the scale of the healthcare organization, and the number of integrations required.

Key takeaways

  1. Understand Your Needs: Each healthcare integration engine has its strengths. Identify your organization's specific needs before choosing a solution. Are you looking for easy integration, advanced security measures, or a tool that provides a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history?
  2. Consider the Pricing Models: Healthcare integration engines come with different pricing models including subscription-based, usage-based, or a one-time license fee. Understand these models and choose a solution that fits within your budget without compromising on essential features.
  3. Evaluate Usability and Support: The efficiency of a healthcare integration engine is not solely based on its features but also on its ease of use. Opt for an engine that has an intuitive user interface and provides robust customer support to aid with any technical issues that may arise.

What Do You Think?

Given the rapid evolution of healthcare technology, there's always a chance that there are other commendable healthcare integration engines out there that I haven't explored yet. If you know of any such tools that are worth considering or if you have any personal experiences with the ones I've discussed, I invite you to share them.

Your insights not only enrich this discussion but can also help healthcare providers in their search for the best healthcare integration engines. After all, the ultimate aim is to provide the best care to patients, and every little bit of help in achieving that is greatly appreciated.

By John Payne

John Payne is the co-founder and company director of Symphony Health. With over 20 years of management experience John is working alongside his wife, Dr. Kate Payne to build a multi-site Medical Practice where staff work collaboratively for the good of their patients. John is passionate about improving access to quality Healthcare in North Vancouver and sharing best practice with other people managing medical practices.