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Raw Data Retrieval

You can retrieve raw clinical data from Health Gorilla in both structured and unstructured formats. This supports regulatory requirements, downstream analysis, and the ability to reconcile original records from network sources. Retrieved content reflects exactly what was received from the source system before normalization or deduplication.

Raw data access is supported for clients using the Patient360 solution, federated query workflows, or FHIR search operations.

Structured Resource Access

Structured clinical data can be retrieved directly using standard FHIR search operations. Each resource reflects the original structure and terminology as received, even if deduplication has occurred.

Common queries include:

  • GET /fhir/R4/Observation?patient={id}
  • GET /fhir/R4/Condition?patient={id}
  • GET /fhir/R4/MedicationStatement?patient={id}

Each record includes meta.source and Provenance to indicate where and when the data originated. In most cases, identifier, status, and code fields preserve source system values.

Document Retrieval Using DocumentReference

Document-based records such as CCDAs, discharge summaries, imaging reports, and scanned documents are indexed using the DocumentReference resource.

To retrieve documents:

  1. Search for available metadata using GET /fhir/R4/DocumentReference?patient={id}.
  2. Extract the DocumentReference.attachment.url field.
  3. Download the full document using the Binary endpoint GET /fhir/R4/Binary/{id}.

Files may include:

  • Clinical documents (CCDA, C-CDA, CDA)
  • PDFs or TIFFs
  • Unstructured provider notes or scanned faxes

All files are base64-encoded in the Binary resource and decoded upon retrieval.

Working with Binary Resources

The Binary resource is used to encapsulate raw content such as CCDAs or PDFs. It is typically referenced by DocumentReference.attachment.

Fields of interest:

  • contentType indicates the media type (e.g., application/pdf)
  • data holds the base64-encoded content
  • id is used in GET /Binary/{id} to retrieve the full file

Binary resources are read-only and reflect exactly what was retrieved from the source system.

Provenance and Source Attribution

Raw records include detailed provenance that allows you to trace the origin of the data:

  • Provenance.agent describes the source organization or system
  • Provenance.recorded provides a timestamp
  • meta.source identifies the originating endpoint or gateway

This metadata supports auditing, reconciliation, and compliance workflows.

Summary

Raw data retrieval allows you to access the original structure and content of clinical records as received from source systems. You can retrieve structured data using FHIR search operations and download documents using DocumentReference and Binary. All content is tagged with metadata and provenance to support traceability and auditability across workflows.