Step 1 - Data Acquisition

Before you can use Chameleon to parse HL7 messages, you need to know the specific format and type of the messages you will be parsing. Unfortunately, the message format and type vary from situation to situation, and HL7 message generators do not always scrupulously follow the HL7 standard.

There are three methods you could use to acquire some data for testing:

Option	Method	Explanation
1	Obtain an interface document from the message originator.	This document should specify the type and format of the messages your counterparty will be sending.
2	Obtain an actual data sample from the message originator.	The sample message will be used in designing the interface. If you have access to the network over which you will be receiving HL7 data, you can use the HL7 Listener tool that comes with Chameleon to capture incoming messages from a network port and log them to a text file.
3	Use sample messages.	You might be able to get some sample HL7 messages e-mailed to you from the message originator.


	iNTERFACEWARE recommends using a combination of options 1 and 2 when designing your real-world interface. With the interface document and the sample messages in hand, you will have what you need to determine the requirements for your interface, and you will be well-equipped to design an interface that meets all of these requirements.

iNTERFACEWARE™ Inc.

Step 1 - Data Acquisition