What is an OID (Object Identifier)?

An OID (Object Identifier) is a globally unique identifier widely used in healthcare to identify specific entities such as organizations, coding systems, or document types in health information exchanges (e.g., HL7 messages, CDA documents). OIDs are structured in a hierarchical format, providing a globally unique reference system across different applications and systems.

Steps to Obtain an OID for Healthcare Purposes

1. Determine the Need for Healthcare:

   • If your organization requires an OID for healthcare purposes—such as HL7 messaging, FHIR implementations, or other health data exchange frameworks—specific registries can assign OIDs suited to these healthcare standards.

2. Use the HL7 OID Registry:

   • Health Level Seven (HL7) provides an OID registration service designed for healthcare entities. This registry is ideal for organizations looking to obtain OIDs for use in HL7 messaging, document exchange, or IHE transactions. The HL7 OID Registry can be accessed at HL7 OID Registry.
   • Registration involves creating an account, detailing your organization, and specifying the purpose for which the OID will be used.

3. Information Needed for Registration:

   • Organization Name: The name of the healthcare entity that requires the OID.
   • Purpose: A brief description of the intended purpose for the OID, such as healthcare data exchange.
   • Contact Information: Relevant details for the requesting party to facilitate registration and communication.

4. Consider Using an Existing OID:

   • If your organization is part of a larger healthcare network or already has an assigned root OID, it may be possible to obtain a sub-OID within this hierarchy. This approach is common in larger healthcare networks, where sub-OIDs can be assigned under a root OID without needing an entirely new identifier.

5. National Authorities and Alternatives:

   • Some national authorities or specific healthcare organizations in other countries may also issue OIDs. Availability depends on the regulations and policies within the country of operation, so checking with local health informatics bodies may provide additional registration options.

Following these steps will ensure your organization has the appropriate OID for healthcare data exchange and related applications, especially through healthcare-focused registries like HL7.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to our RosettaHealth Support Portal