Managing source details in outgoing requests

Last updated: Jun 25, 2024
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In terms of data exchange, we tend to focus on the destination, or the intended endpoint, of a request. We can’t forget that for every request delivered, it has to originate somewhere first.

A system typically only needs one source to send requests from unless data is exchanged in multiple formats that require different configurations. A source, or the initiating point of a request, is identified in either the header or payload with source-ids.

For your outgoing requests, you’re responsible for providing details about your source for routing purposes.

When to provide source details

If you only have one source, it’s entirely optional to identify the source-id in an outgoing request. With one source, the source-id only matters if the destination needs it for their own processing.

How to route with multiple sources

If your system has multiple sources (e.g., if your system sends and receives data via an API and SFTP), you must identify the relevant source-id in any outgoing requests. That way, Redox knows where the request came from, what configuration to apply, and who to notify in case of errors.

Where to find a source ID

You can either locate the source ID in the Redox dashboard or via the Platform API.

Redox Platform API

Review the Platform API reference for retrieving a list of sources and their corresponding IDs.

Redox dashboard

If you’re using legacy API keys, open the Redox dashboard and navigate to the Developer page to locate the source-id. By default, the API keys tab displays. Under the Legacy API keys section, find the key associated with the source you want to use. Use the key ID as the source-id.

If you’re using OAuth API keys, open the Redox dashboard and navigate to the Connections page to locate the source-id. By default, the Subscriptions tab opens. All of your sources display on the left side of the subscription. Find the source you want to use. Copy the source-id.

Source ID
Source ID

How to provide your source details

Redox Data Model API

Identify the source in the Meta.Source.ID field of the request payload. Remember that this field is only required if you have more than one source in your environment.

Redox FHIR® API

Identify the source by adding the Redox-Source-Id header to the outgoing request. Remember that this header is only required if you have more than one source in your environment.

For FHIR® writeback messages, you must include a MessageHeader resource with the metadata of the message. Even if Redox-Source-Id isn’t required in the header for routing your request, you must include MessageHeader.source.endpoint.

Set MessageHeader.source.endpoint to your Redox source ID (urn:uuid:<source-id>) or a public endpoint that identifies your organization (e.g., We’d use https://redoxengine.com to identify Redox.). We also recommend including the source.name, which is a human-readable name for the source represented by the URL.