Healthcare Interoperability | Community Health

Healthcare interoperability refers to the ability of different healthcare systems, devices, and applications to communicate and exchange data accurately and securely. The goal of healthcare interoperability is to facilitate the sharing of patient information between healthcare providers, payers, and patients themselves, improving the quality and efficiency of care. With the rise of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchanges (HIEs), standards like Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) have emerged to enable seamless data exchange. According to the [[health-and-human-services|US Department of Health and Human Services]], healthcare interoperability can reduce medical errors, improve patient outcomes, and lower healthcare costs. As of 2022, over 90% of hospitals in the US have adopted EHRs, with many leveraging FHIR to enhance interoperability. The [[american-medical-association|American Medical Association]] and the [[american-hospital-association|American Hospital Association]] have also emphasized the importance of healthcare interoperability in improving patient care. With the growing demand for telehealth services, healthcare interoperability is becoming increasingly crucial for ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients.