eCR
Electronic case reporting (eCR) is the automated generation and transmission of reports of possible reportable conditions from electronic health records (EHRs) to public health agencies for review and action. eCR uses a shared standards-based, interoperable, services infrastructure that supports data delivery to public health in real time.
There are on average 100 diseases and conditions that are reportable to any given public health jurisdiction. It is important to monitor, control, and prevent these diseases nationwide to protect the public’s health. They include infectious diseases such as COVID-19, foodborne conditions such as E. coli, and noninfectious conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
State, territorial, and local jurisdictions have established legislation and regulations that require healthcare providers to submit reports of possible reportable conditions. They rely on healthcare providers to report to public health agencies, which can be burdensome and time-consuming. eCR is real-time reporting that moves case report data securely and seamlessly—from the EHR at the point of care, to data systems at state, territorial, and local agencies. Data transmitted in electronic case reports are the basis for notifiable disease reporting to CDC, which is vital for public health surveillance. eCR also allows public health to provide information back to healthcare providers.
eCR is a collaborative effort of the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These organizations each play key roles in leading, implementing, and operating eCR with healthcare organizations, EHR vendors, and public health agencies.
