What Is Healthcare Facility Registry?

Registration Process on HFR for Government Facilities

The registration process on the Healthcare Facility Registry for government facilities is streamlined and can be completed online within a few minutes. Here's a simplified step-by-step guide:

1. Access the HFR portal:Visit the official HFR website and generate a Healthcare Professional ID using Aadhar or other KYC methods.
2. Search Facility Details:Look up your facility using the HFR portal. If your facility is not listed, send a request to have it assigned by the State/District Administrator.
3. Fill Registration Form:Once your facility is assigned, complete the registration form. Include details about your facility, the services you offer, and your infrastructure.
4. Verification:Review your form for accuracy, then submit it for verification. Be prepared to respond to any queries that might arise during the verification process.
5. Receive Facility ID:Once the registration is complete, a facility ID is generated.

Registration Process for Private/PPP Facilities

The registration process for a private facility is the same as that of a government facility.

• Generate Healthcare Professional ID:Similar to government facilities, begin by obtaining a Healthcare Professional ID. Register using your Aadhaar or other accepted KYC documentation.
2. Search for Your Facility:Enter the name of your facility in the HFR search tool. If it doesn't appear in the results, you'll need to register it as a new facility.
3. Fill Out Registration Form:Note that the registration form for private facilities is different from that for government facilities. Provide comprehensive details in the registration form. This includes your facility's specifics, the services provided, and infrastructure information.
4. Submit the Form:Carefully review all the details in your form. Once satisfied, submit it for verification. Be ready to answer any follow-up questions for clarification.
5. Receive Facility ID:Once the registration is complete, a facility ID is generated.

Benefits of Health Facility Registry (HFR)

Registering with the HFR offers a multitude of advantages for healthcare facilities, transforming various aspects of their operations:

1. Distinct and Reliable Identity

   The HFR assigns a unique Facility ID to each registered facility, establishing a credible and verifiable online presence within the digital health ecosystem.

   Such consistent identification of healthcare facilities supports seamless exchange of data with other stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem, like hospitals, pharmacies, and insurance companies.

2. Discoverability and Online Presence

   Patients and healthcare professionals can easily search for registered facilities based on location, services offered, and other relevant criteria.

   This empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and allows healthcare professionals to connect with appropriate facilities for referrals and collaborations.

   Example of Finding Quality Healthcare Using HFR

   Maya, a 42-year-old marketing professional, is covered under her employer's group health insurance plan. She recently started experiencing persistent abdominal pain and consulted her primary care physician. The doctor suspected appendicitis and recommended further evaluation by a surgical specialist.

   Maya visited the HFR website and utilised the search function. She filtered the results by her location and surgical speciality. Using the information provided by her group insurance plan, she further checked the shortlisted results for a facility that falls under the insurance network.

   She identified Dr. Khanna, a reputed surgical specialist within her insurance network. He performed a minimally invasive surgery successfully, and Maya recovered well. Maya's group health insurance covered the cost of the surgery and hospitalisation, minimising out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Ease of Doing Business

   Registration and renewal of licences and other essential documents become significantly easier through the HFR portal. This reduces administrative burden and saves valuable time for facility staff.

4. Integrated Digital Services

   Facilities can utilise the platform to offer telemedicine consultations, expanding their reach to patients in remote areas or facing mobility limitations. Additionally, the platform offers access to various evolving digital health services, including appointment booking, lab test reporting, and online payments, improving overall efficiency and convenience for both patients and healthcare professionals.

   The HFR also promotes the adoption of electronic health records (EHR), enabling secure storage and efficient sharing of patient information between authorised healthcare providers.

Conclusion

The Healthcare Facility Registry stands as a pivotal force in India's digital healthcare transformation. By offering a central repository of verified healthcare facilities and integrating with various digital services, the HFR empowers both facilities and individuals. This paves the way for transparency, accessibility, and improved care delivery, building a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare landscape in India.