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ID
DG-3067
Type
Guide
Version
1.0
Status
Active
Created date
Updated date

Quick intro

The developer guide is intended to get you up-and-running with using the PCA API. It covers everything you need to know from registration, authorisation, participation to publication and subscription.

High level architecture

Firstly some context, the diagram below outlines the high level architecture and the key components.

getting started high level architecture

It is important to highlight that the PCA is composed of separate FHIR servers each with its own specific capability statement

The table below outlines the PCA components and access URLs:

ComponentDetailsAccess URL
PortalWeb channel for manual administration of the PCA
${env}/PcaPortal
Identity and Access ManagerComponents and interfaces that manage client registration, access tokens and authorisation.
${env}/PcaAuthApi/v2
Participation Manager

Components and interfaces that manage the participation of organisations with the PCA.

Creates the base URL for each participating organisation’s FHIR server when the organisation is registered as a PCA participant

${env}/PcaParticipationApi/v2

Publisher Agent*

(see note below)

Components and interfaces that manage the publication of information to the PCA.

One FHIR server per participating publisher organisation

${env}/PcaFhirApi/v2/publisher/${org_id}/fhir

Subscriber Agent*

(see note below)

Components and interfaces that manage the subscription of information from the PCA.

One FHIR server per participating subscriber organisation

${env}/PcaFhirApi/v2/subscriber/${org_id}/fhir
System of Record AgentComponents and interfaces that manage validation of information with sources of record / data
${env}/SystemOfRecordApi/v2

Environment

The ${env} URL for each environment is as following:

Environment${env} URL
Software Vendor Testinghttps://pca-svt.digitalhealth.gov.au
Productionhttps://pca.digitalhealth.gov.au

The {base} variable as defined by FHIR is the following for the FHIR servers

FHIR server${base} URL
Publisher Agent
${env}/PcaFhirApi/v2/publisher/${org_id}/fhir
Subscriber Agent
${env}/PcaFhirApi/v2/subscriber/${org_id}/fhir

Portal

Whilst most of the high volume operations can be performed using the APIs there are some low volume operations and are currently not supported through the API.

The portal can be accessed using the following url: 

${env}/PcaPortal

welcome to the provider connect australia portal screenshot

PRODA

In order to access the PCA Portal a user requires to authenticate using PRODA:

proda-login-screenshot

 

The URL for PRODA environment is as following:

EnvironmentURL
Software Vendor Testinghttps://vnd.proda.humanservices.gov.au
Productionhttps://proda.humanservices.gov.au

Users need to create a PRODA account if they don't already have one.

The presentation below outlines how to create PRODA accounts.

Note: Valid identity documents are not required for creating test accounts

Presentation

PRODA - Register Accounts (PowerPoint)

Proda Screen

Tools

Most applications and systems will use an existing wrapper library in the language of your choice, but it's important to familiarise yourself with the underlying API HTTP methods first.

There's no easier way to kick the tires than through clients like Postman. Collections and environment imports to expedite this can be found under testing utilities.

FHIR Implementation Guide

The HL7TM FHIR® specification for the APIs offered by the Provider Connect Australia service can be found here:  https://pca.digitalhealth.gov.au/fhir/4.0/

Configuration considerations

Below we have outlined some possible profiles that would have different configurations based on how organisations wish to present the addressing information to the PCA:

  • Tertiary hospital with many specialties and addressable healthcare services at one location
  • Large service provider that provides a single speciality with many addressable healthcare services at many different locations (e.g. pathology, diagnostic imaging)
  • Small clinic with one speciality and one addressable healthcare service at a location (e.g. GP, Specialist, AHP, etc.)
  • Provider directory containing provider information for the purposes of secure messaging

Home | Next: Client registration

Trade marks of the Australian Digital Health Agency: 
Provider Connect Australia™, Helping healthcare providers stay connected™

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