Data Extraction
Accurate, Secure, Complete.
Efficient and secure extraction of structured and unstructured healthcare data from legacy systems for accurate data migration, conversion, and archiving.
Data Access Challenges
Healthcare organizations often struggle with aging legacy systems that create data silos and hinder effective data management. Therefore, a plan is needed to extract and move that data to a new EHR and/or active archive for long-term use. An ineffective data extraction approach to start can lead to operational inefficiencies, missing or inaccurate data, and heightened risks.
Key challenges include:
- Data Silos – Outdated systems trap essential records, limiting accessibility.
- Manual Processes – Time-consuming and error-prone extractions compromise data integrity.
- Security Risks – Old applications often lack modern security controls required to meet today’s requirements.
- EHR Transition Issues – Precise data extraction is critical for accurate EMR data migration.
Without robust healthcare data extraction, critical patient and other records can remain inaccessible and at risk.
What is Data Extraction?
Data extraction involves retrieving critical patient, financial, and operational data from legacy systems and servers. This process ensures that data remains accessible and usable on modern platforms—whether it’s for a new EHR or an archive.
Expertise in Extracting Data Across Multiple Database Types
Healthcare systems rely on a wide range of database types, each with unique complexities. Our team has extensive experience extracting patient data from various database structures—including those that pose higher technical challenges, such as Cache and MSSQL.
We’ve successfully worked with databases through both front-end and back-end access. Even when direct database access wasn’t available, we have found solutions—extracting data from reports to ensure critical information was retrieved. Some examples:
- AccuCOBOL*
- Btrieve
- C-TreeACE
- Cache
- COBOL
- Firebird
- Gupta/OpenText SQLBase
- IBM DB2
- IBM Informix
- IBM Rocket
- MicroFocus COBOL*
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Fox Pro
- Microsoft SQL Server
- MUMPS
- MySQL
- Oracle
- PostgreSQL
- Progress
- Sybase
* with data driver overlay
The Right Extraction Solution…
Acquires
A complete, accurate data set that can be managed moving forward.
Supports
Seamless EHR conversion for smooth transfer of data to new systems.
Enables
Smooth movement of data to a new go-forward system or long term storage solution.
Preserves
Compliance by retaining required records before system decommissioning.
Why Choose Harmony Healthcare IT for Data Extraction?
- Industry-Leading Expertise – Over two decades of healthcare data management experience.
- Proven Success – Trusted by leading healthcare organizations for complex data management projects.
- Customizable & Scalable Solutions – Tailored for hospitals, health systems, physician groups and specialties.
- Broad System Experience – Expertise with over 700 software brands—EHRs, revenue cycle platforms, lab systems, imaging archives, specialty software, and homegrown systems.
- Awards & Recognition – Celebrated for excellence in data management.
- Data Type Flexibility – Experience working with clinical, financial, business and administrative data from both inpatient and outpatient systems.
Compliance & Security Protecting Your Data
HealthData Platform™ meets industry standards
- HITRUST Certified & HIPAA Compliant
- End-to-End Encryption & Secure Transfer
- Role-Based Access & Audit Logging
FAQs
What is EMR data extraction?
Data extraction simply means retrieving data from various sources. It is the critical first step when replacing one EMR with another. An accurate, discrete data extraction sets the stage for successful subsequent processes (like transformation and load) that will result in a data migration that IT and data governance teams can be proud of. That said, often there is a large amount of unstructured data housed in an EMR. There needs to be a plan for this data as well as the normalized, structured data elements.
What are the benefits of data extraction?
The benefits of data extraction include being able to access the data and move it wherever it needs to be, whether that be a new EHR, an active archive, cold storage, etc.
What is data extraction in healthcare?
Healthcare data provides the clinical, employee and business records that are needed to track and support longitudinal care and administrative operations for healthcare providers. As such, sometimes the data needs to be moved to a new location. Data extraction is simply the process of pulling data from an EMR or EHR, usually so it can be migrated and retained.
What qualities should a reliable extraction solutions provider have?
As the extraction vendor will have access to the organization’s critical IT systems, it is vital to have a partner with demonstrated extraction experience with the associated source systems as well as the depth of experience and to work closely with the customer’s technical or source system matter experts. Since the vendor will be handling sensitive data, such as PHI or employee records, it is imperative the vendor is vetted for adhering to cybersecurity best practices.
What are the ways in which you extract healthcare data?
Extraction can be done directly by an IT vendor, or if a third-party or application vendor must be used, there should be a discovery call to discuss the scope and delivery capabilities of the legacy vendor. There are different methods of healthcare data extraction, depending on the type of data and source system. One common method is to use an application programming interface (API) to extract data from EHRs. APIs allow developers to access EHR data in a structured format that is suitable for analysis. Another method is natural language processing (NLP) which is used to extract unstructured medical records. NLP algorithms can identify and extract relevant information from the records, such as diagnoses, medications and procedures.
Key Resources
Looking to transition from a legacy system? Explore how our expert data extraction services ensure a smooth, secure start to your migration journey.
