Interoperability and What It Means for You

Interoperability is about making sure different health systems can talk to each other. It helps you access your health information easily when you need it. As a member, you can use apps to see your health information — this helps you manage your health and helps researchers learn more. Remember, Imperial does not have all your information, so talk to your doctor too.

Understanding interoperability

How does this change how I get my health information? You can use an app of your choice on your computer or phone to access your health information.

What's the benefit? It puts you in control of your care and helps doctors use information from different places to give better care.

How do I use a third-party app? First, make an Imperial online account. Then get a third-party app — these apps are secure and connect to your health information. Sign up on the app for data sharing and choose your health plan.

Who can I contact for help? Call Member Services at 1-800-595-0619 for app help, or use Member Services in your online account for general questions.

Choosing a third-party application

You may use any application, but for Imperial to share data with it, the app must register via our Developer Portal. After approval, we will share your data with that application.

To give a third-party app access, first sign up for the Member Portal. Once signed in, select "3rd Party Apps" to see the list of approved applications you can share your data with.

After your health information has been shared to a third-party application, it no longer remains safeguarded by HIPAA. Imperial has no affiliation with, control over, or endorsement of any third-party applications, and does not assess their privacy and security practices. Third-party applications are subject to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations. If you suspect a third-party application has misused your health information, you can submit a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Approved third-party applications

• Mpowered Health — Google Play · Apple App Store · Learn more
• Onerecord — Google Play · Apple App Store · Learn more

Protecting your health information — quick tips

• Before you share: Check the app's privacy policy. If there is no policy, skip the app.
• Key questions: What data do they collect, how do they use it, and do they share it?
• Pick wisely: Choose apps with strong privacy standards.
• Limiting info: You cannot limit info sharing after you agree when downloading the app.
• Years of data: Data from January 1, 2016 onward is shared. If you re-enroll, only data from the past 5 years is shared.

HIPAA in simple terms

HIPAA is a law to keep your health information private — no one can share it without your permission. Doctors, clinics, and insurance companies are covered. Most third-party apps are not under HIPAA; they are overseen by the FTC instead.

Corrections & complaints

• Fixing mistakes in an app: Ask the app first; if it's not their fault, contact Member Services at 1-800-595-0619 (TTY: 711).
• Changing your Imperial records: Contact Member Services for a form.
• App misuse: Report to the FTC at ftccomplaintassistant.gov
• HIPAA violations: File with the Office for Civil Rights at hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint

To complain directly to Imperial about a privacy concern: mail Attention: Privacy Officer, PO Box, Pasadena, CA 91116, or fax 1-626-380-9049.

Developer resources

This section provides application developers the information necessary to connect with and use the Interoperability APIs offered by Imperial Health Holdings and its subsidiaries.

Public API resources (no authentication required)

• Practitioner — members.imperialhealthplan.com/api/fhir/Practitioner
• PractitionerRole — members.imperialhealthplan.com/api/fhir/PractitionerRole
• Organization — members.imperialhealthplan.com/api/fhir/Organization
• Location — members.imperialhealthplan.com/api/fhir/Location

Technical API documentation

Imperial provides complete technical API documentation in compliance with 45 CFR 156.221(d)(1), including API syntax and structure, function names, required and optional parameters, return variables, and exception handling.

Download API Endpoint Support Document (PDF)

Registering for secure access

Developers looking to access private patient health information must complete a registration process. Fill out the required information at our developer sign-up portal; once approved, you'll receive an email to set up your account and create an OAuth 2.0 client (client ID and client secret) to access secure resources.

Imperial supports the SMART on FHIR Client Credentials Flow using OpenID Connect Core 1.0 and OAuth 2.0.

• Member FAQs (PDF)