Digitalization has become a new normal and the Healthcare ecosystem is one such industry that has greatly benefited from digitalization. Since the early 1970s, telehealth, and remote access to EMR data have improved the healthcare system with the introduction of cutting-edge technologies.

Introduction

Interoperability in healthcare has provided a robust solution for integrating, storing, and analyzing massive health data. Interoperability between internal as well as external facilities has revamped outdated processes and infused them with advanced technical intelligence.

Frameworks like Health Level 7 (HL7) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource (FHIR) have standardized data and ensure effective communication between various systems.

Interoperability Improving Patient Care

The electronic clinical chart ensures various touchpoints to patients' health records, tests, and clinic visits. Earlier the Healthcare Data Ecosystem was provider-centric. But with increasing awareness and involvement of the patient, data became patient-centric.

1.Simplified and systematic health data-

Interoperability in healthcare has to render patients, power over their data with easy access, and real-time availability of harmonized health data. According to a study published[1] in the Journal of Medical Internet, patients who accessed their health information electronically were more likely to report feeling in control of their healthcare (75%) compared to those who did not access their information electronically.

2.Easing patients tasks-

The interoperability has simplified the patient's tasks by reducing hospital formalities, manual form filling, and documentation processes. Blue Button is one of the Interoperable Health Systems that has eliminated the requirement for manual collection of health history, clinical visits, and medication records through automation.

3.Improved healthcare outcome-

Interoperability in healthcare has brought error-free, time-saving, and economical healthcare system. Additionally, healthcare analytics solutions can provide life-saving healthcare data predictability ensured by effective communication and on-time availability of data.

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) stated that 81% of providers reported that data interoperability improved their ability to coordinate care with other providers and reduced the time spent on administrative tasks. The data collected can also be used to understand population health trends leading to the overall improvement of population health.

4.Better billing experience-

The systemizing Data with the help of interoperability has reduced the cost of treatment by eliminating the need for duplicate tests. It has also ensured a smooth process of billing and insurance claims with the help of Interoperable Health Systems, billing software, and other new technological inventions.

5.Security-

With the easy accessibility of data, the concern of data misuse also increases. But interoperability has addressed the increased risk of cyberattacks by introducing the process of authentication and permission required for accessing the data. The permission granting control lies in the hand of the patient and he/she can share it with their caretaker, and family members.

Conclusion

According to a study by the American Hospital Association, 76% of hospitals reported Interoperability in healthcare has improved the quality of patient care and ensured an improved patient experience. MITYUNG is one of the healthcare IT solutions companies that offers complete solutions to interoperability solutions and ensures the upgradation of the healthcare ecosystem with the help of advanced technologies.