Getting Started for Developers

So you’re a software developer interested in creating applications for Blue Button and you want to know where to get started.

Here are some thoughts to consider:

• The Blue Button is trademarked through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Never fear - getting a license is free and easy.  Just visit the Blue Button license site to get started.
• The Blue Button file is a simple, human and machine readable ASCII format. It can be simply parsed using a one-dimensional semantic parse. Create your own parser today or check out the open source parser developed by PatientsLikeMe
  • For more information, visit the PatientsLikeMe blog post
• Consider what kind of service would you like to provide to patients, Veterans, or other Blue Button consumers.   Some examples:
  • Something that lets patients better view or track changes to Blue Button data and interact with online personal health records
  • Something that consumes Blue Button data to help patients achieve health goals or point them to educational resources
  • Something that helps users share or upload data elsewhere
  • Something that helps clinicians or other organizations (such as employers, in the case of Veterans) do something with Blue Button data after it’s been shared or uploaded 
• Keep security in mind.  Particularly with health data, privacy is key.
  • Use secure download methods.
  • Consider how your software will validate the user’s identity and match it to the appropriate patient record
  • Make sure users clearly know how they can remediate any privacy or security issues they encounter.

Have questions? We are happy to help. Email us at vabluebutton@va.gov.