What is interoperability and why is it important?

When incorporating interoperability, it can benefit your organization in a variety of ways, which include meeting referral source expectations, recruiting and retaining staff, staying up to date on regulations and mandates, and engaging patients on a deeper level.

Here are a few more ways interoperability can play an integral role in your organization:

Interoperability can benefit patients.
Most patients receive care during a series of separate interactions that make up the entirety of their medical history, known as their longitudinal care record or summary. This history documents past symptoms, procedures, tests, allergies, complications, etc. Lack of access to this data can be both inconvenient and dangerous for a patient. Full visibility, transparency, and access to patient data is the primary benefit of interoperability.

Interoperability can keep you competitive.
Stay top of mind with referral sources through differentiation, a credible reputation, innovative technology, and high-quality patient care — all of which can be the result of interoperability. Referral sources are going to choose providers that allow them to seamlessly send and receive patient data. Having the technology that can do this can set you apart from the competition.

Interoperability can streamline operations.
Sending and receiving data electronically means fewer documents, less effort searching patient records, less time communicating with referring providers, and more information available for your providers’ initial encounters with patients. Increased visibility of patient information can result in more thorough documentation, greater likelihood of approved claims, and full reimbursements.

Interoperability can increase productivity.
With a more efficient system comes a better process, meaning your staff spends less time performing tedious administrative tasks and more time being productive with patients, providers, and referral sources.

Interoperability can improve the patient experience.
All these benefits come together to create a better patient experience. More efficient processes allow for more time with patients. Improved communication means data gets shared quickly and accurately, and trusted organizations can provide better care.