Order Entry Message (ORM)

The Order Entry (ORM) message is one of the most commonly used HL7 message type. ORM messages contain information about an order. This contains actions like: placing new orders, canceling existing orders, discontinuation, holding, etc. Orders are related to either products or services (e.g., a blood panel, etc.). Generally it is patient specific and it activates when it detects any change to an order, when it is created, modified, cancelled and put on hold.

There are types of HL7 ORM messages which are geared towards handling specific events. Admission, Discharge, Transfer  messages are sent when patient’s are admitted, discharged or else moved around the hospital. Order Entry (ORM) messages are sent when orders are placed or edited and Order Result messages are sent back with results that correspond to the original ORM message. These are the most common HL7 message types; most other workflows, like updating flowsheets or filing visit notes, use some combination of segments from these message types to accomplish their goals.

These goals could be anything ranging from medication orders, measuring of vitals, lab tests, specific food / dietary orders, radiology films. In addition it could also be generic orders (not clinical or pertaining to patient) for materials required to keep the hospital running. Also supports communication regarding hospital/ clinic needs, from printing a requisition to e-prescribing, orders distribute pertinent data from system to system and many others.

ORM messages are most commonly used to send Radiology Orders and Lab Orders and are following the standard HL7 message structure.  An ORM message is made up of components and groups of componets, each of which may be required, optional, repeatable, or different combinations of all of the above.