Loading...

Subscribe

Why is EHR Interoperability Important

March 2, 2020 - Parul Saini, Webmedy Team


Loading...

In healthcare IT, it's really difficult to think of any huge buzzword other than interoperability. Interoperability influences healthcare quality for both - patients and physicians. The major purpose of healthcare interoperability is to enable the flow of health data seamlessly between care-provider and other healthcare systems participating in the care delivery of the patient for better decision making.

Do you know what EMR interoperability implies in healthcare?

EHR or EMR interoperability is the capability of medical devices and technologies to share, explain and showcase health data in an easily digestible form whenever and wherever a patient receives care. Healthcare systems should be able to carefully and actively create and brings meaningful clinical knowledge, decisions, and actions.

Typically, there are seven different levels of interoperability. Keep on reading to know these levels.

  • Level 0 or we can say NO Interoperability

    Stand-alone systems which don't have interoperability. This involves systems that cannot share information and restricted to individual system boundaries.

  • Level 1 or Technical Interoperability

    This level of interoperability uses a communication protocol for sharing data between systems. It deals with technical aspects of interoperability like communication protocols, interconnection services, and data exchange format.

  • Level 2 or Syntactic Interoperability

    This level implies the capability of two or more systems to share data and services through mutually interoperable protocols like High-Level Architecture (HLA).

  • Level 3 or Semantic Interoperability

    This interoperability specifies the ability of two or more systems to positively decode the information exchanged meaningfully and exactly to generate favorable results as defined by end-users. Semantic interoperability means that the actual meaning of shared information is understood by communicating systems.

  • Level 4 or Pragmatic Interoperability

    This level of interoperability is acquired when the interoperating systems know the methods and procedures that they are using.

  • Level 5 or Dynamic Interoperability

    Two or more systems are said to have dynamic interoperability when they understand the state changes taking place and they are capable of taking advantage of those changes.

  • Level 6 or Conceptual Interoperability

    Conceptual interoperability is attained when assumptions and constraints of purposeful absorption of reality are aligned. However, interoperability in healthcare has different meaning such as -

    • Interoperability of massages (data) to be shared among healthcare applications.
    • Interoperability of electronic health record (EHR).
    • Interoperability of patients' health records.
    • Interoperability of other business processes.

Why interoperability is important?

Computer systems can transfer information and use the data that they receive. In the healthcare industry, information needs to be distributed and recognized once it is collected. With interoperability, the increased transparency, portability, and accessibility may increase the ease with which health information can be accessed by healthcare professionals. Health records can be securely shared with patients and other clinicians and health care settings to enable coordinated patient care. Collaboration allows for better and more timely decision making, particularly in critical situations. If interoperability is not part of the equation, patient health suffers. Physicians and other medical staff require having the information that they lack at the point of care. If they lack specific information, they consume more time getting the information. Interoperability leads to better health outcomes with more accurate information.

Key benefits of EHR interoperability

  • Different stakeholders - Physician practices, hospitals, urgent care centers, pharmacies, and specialized medical centers, collaborate using interoperable systems that allow different systems and applications to communicate with one another. Patient's medical records follow them throughout the health care system and different stakeholders involved in the care of the patient can seamlessly collaborate with each other.
  • Enhanced performance.
  • The safer transformation of care.
  • Minimized cost - Increased efficiency by greater data sharing conserves time and effort for staff, pointing to higher cost savings.
  • Interoperability in terms of healthcare does it simpler for medical services providers to give patient information.
  • Standards set by the government and management aid promote better interaction between diverse systems.

What are some of the obstacles to interoperability?

Here are some of the obstacles related to true interoperability:

  • Lack of consistency

    Organizations like CHIME and HIMSS are putting their efforts into the development of national patient identifiers from the last two decades. The reason behind that is as the health data exchange is continuously evolving, the need for an accurate and consistent way to identify individual patient health data is becoming more demanding. Allocating a unique patient identifier to each individual in the country is one way to make sure that hospitals can share medical health records and patient health data effectively and more accurately, lack of this can lead to increased healthcare facilities costs.

  • Lack of communication between healthcare providers

    Presently, the healthcare technology provided by today's vendors makes it tough to copy and share information from one electronic health record (EHR) software to another. Mismatched formats and data fields mean that at first data needs to be manipulated and desolated before being introduced into another system. A few different standards development organizations (SDOs) define, create, update and manage health data standards via collective processes that include health IT users but there is not any common single standard. The lack of standards for gathering, communicating, sending, storing and managing health data is a major obstacle to healthcare interoperability.

  • Vendors blocking the information

    Lack of shared data in healthcare is a headache. A major bottleneck to healthcare interoperability is the practice of data blocking - from the vendor's side. A study published this year highlighted that information blocking is still all over the place, and policies are ineffective to curb the practice. Though efforts to shut off information blocking are already undertaken by mandating some level of data sharing by government regulations, if efforts are successful, then slowing down information blocking will help to make sure that information follows across provider organizations, which in turn will improve efficiency and quality of care.

  • Difficulty with Analysis, Measurement, and Improvement of Interoperability

    As one of the sayings goes you can't improve what you can't measure. Hence, it's difficult to measure the costs of error rates that occur when healthcare systems do not communicate with each other in a useful way. Due to the lack of ability to measure, or trace outcomes, health systems and other healthcare providers can't boost their important processes and this results in a lack of initiative to improve interoperability. The challenge faced by healthcare providers and their vendors is the lack of a standard way to measure the influence of interoperability problems. Once the healthcare industry can control these issues across healthcare systems, they will be able to analyze problems and make changes, and can also measure how those changes can boost the quality of care and patient outcomes.

Encouraging Steps Towards Interoperability

The government's action for encouraging interoperability is a significant boost for healthcare interoperability. The good news is that tremendous progress towards interoperability is being made by some standard bodies like Health Level Seven (HL7) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standards group. EHR practice management platforms are already adopting these standards to lead efforts to move towards true interoperability.

Shortly, we'll probably see the confluence towards some standards, reduction in cost, gathering of patient information and capability to analyze and use collected data. With some efforts, interoperability can and will be attained - but needs a good deal of effort like all other things.

Loading...

Recommended



It's calculated that medical failures cost at least 19.5 billion dollars a year. While this amount is distressing on its own, the sum in the financial costs of lost productivity and the amount rises to $1 trillion. While this figure describes the cost to the nation as a whole, if your practice is losing just a portion of this amount to wasted productivity, the costs can be destructive.


This is true that with the digitalization and passing time, EHR has been like a booming trend in healthcare and gradually it has been adopted all around several hospitals and clinics across the country, India. The Indian Government is planning to digitize health records simply by cutting down the paperwork and avoid issues related to storing, collecting, recording and managing piles of healthcare data.


Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are like a blessing for the healthcare industry as well as patients and it has shown tremendous advantages for rural healthcare facilities along with critical access hospitals. Be it the United States or India, almost one-fifth of the population, as per the statistics, lives in a rural area.


Mango is a delicious tropical fruit that is not only delicious but also offers many health benefits. Mangoes are part of the family of pistachios and cashews, known as the Anacardiaceae family. Mango comes in many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor and texture.


Liver is an important organ of the body which aids in digestion, stores nutrients and detoxifies our body by eliminating harmful substances. Liver also acts as an important warrior of our immune system as it identifies harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins that enter our body, captures them and throws them out of the body. A healthy liver is essential for overall health and well being.


Imagine your body as an intricate fortress, constantly guarded by an invisible but ever-vigilant protector: mucus. This unsung hero works tirelessly, shielding you from the onslaught of environmental villains and internal turmoil. Yet, when we find ourselves constantly clearing our throats or battling with that annoying sensation of phlegm, it's a sign that our protector is working overtime. This isn't just a tale of discomfort; it's a story of resilience, a signal from our bodies that something is amiss. Let's understand this protective mechanism, exploring the myriad causes of phlegm and mucus in the throat, and uncover the ways we can support our body's natural defenses for a happier, healthier life.


Imagine a future in which medical diagnoses are made accurately and lightning-fast, and treatment plans are tailored to the individual patient. Artificial Intelligence is making such a future possible.


The healthcare industry has started adopting the Internet of Things for patient care and tracking their needs. Remote monitoring, smart sensors, medical device integration, fitness trackers, wearable biometric sensors, glucose monitors, prescription dispensers, and smart beds, are all examples of adoption of Internet of Things in healthcare.


Blockchain technology has the potential to transform healthcare. Blockchain technology can be used to build a patient-centric healthcare ecosystem that is secure and interoperable.


Are you ready to supercharge your mornings and set a healthy tone for the rest of the day? Drinking a mixture of turmeric and ginger first thing in the morning is often recommended for its potential health benefits. Consuming these two together may provide synergistic benefits while enhancing their individual effects.


Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of medical conditions. The beneficial properties of garlic are due to a compound called Allicin.


In this article, we will explore the science behind apple cider vinegar's potential to enhance weight loss efforts. From boosting metabolism and reducing fat accumulation to regulating blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite, learn how this natural remedy might support your health and fitness goals.


We all love squeezing the juice out of a lemon and savoring its inner pulp, but did you know that the peel of a lemon contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals and powerful bioactive compounds? Let's uncover the secret of lemon peel, a hidden treasure that surpasses lemon pulp in nutrient concentration.


Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone that promotes growth, muscle mass, and fat metabolism. HGH is a naturally occurring hormone released in the body by the pituitary gland. It can be especially important during weight loss, injury recovery, and athletic training. People can try to increase their growth hormone naturally by changing their diet and lifestyle choices.


Explore the world of cucumbers, where every bite is not just about a refreshing crunch, but also a step towards better health! Often overlooked as just a salad ingredient, cucumbers are a powerhouse of nutrients that do wonders for your body. From hydrating your skin to keeping your heart healthy, these green vegetables are full of surprises.


You might be aware of the health benefits of papaya fruit, but do you know that the green leaves of the papaya tree are a powerhouse of healing properties that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Papaya leaves contain a unique blend of enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants. From increasing platelet levels in dengue patients to providing relief from gastric problems, papaya leaves are a health powerhouse.


Electronic health records (EHR) have become an essential component of modern healthcare. Migration from traditional paper-based records to an EHR offers many benefits, such as improved patient care, streamlined workflows, and fewer medical errors. However, implementing an EHR can be a complex and challenging process. This step-by-step guide is intended to help healthcare providers migrate to an EHR, ensuring a smooth and successful implementation.


Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest. It affects millions of people worldwide and can severely impact daily life. Understanding the causes and treatment options is crucial for those struggling with chronic fatigue. Let’s explore the common causes of chronic fatigue, foods that can help combat chronic exhaustion, and effective supplements to support energy levels. By addressing these factors, you can find relief from chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms and discover potential chronic fatigue treatment options that work for you.


The goal of buying an EHR or any other type of medical software is to improve the efficiency of your practice for you, your employees, and your patients. Keep this in mind while selecting medical software that it can help you avoid making rash decisions that may look good on paper but don't provide your practice with more capabilities or increase the quality of care you provide to your patients.


IoT offers significant benefits for chronic disease management by enabling continuous monitoring of patients' health metrics. With devices like smart glucose monitors and blood pressure cuffs, healthcare providers can receive real-time data. This allows for timely interventions, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient engagement, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.


Patient care today is disjointed, and most collaborators don't know what they are doing for a patient in real-time. Keeping track of the patient's entire care team (providers, payers, family members, etc.) as well as coordinating and integrating their electronic activities is what successful EHRs will need to handle with ease as they move from retrospective documentation to modern patient collaboration platforms. As of today, EHR apps are usually restricted to "legal entities" (e.g., a single hospital or hospital system or a single practice). To provide integrated and coordinated health care, EHR systems must open themselves up to outside boundaries, but few have done so.


High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions of people around the world. If not managed it can cause serious health problems. But here's the good news—changing your diet can help lower your blood pressure naturally. Let's learn about the top foods that can make a big difference in reducing high blood pressure naturally.


A common image that comes to mind when thinking of wearables is fitness devices linked to smartphones. The invention of such devices coincided with the evolution of mobile devices into significantly more powerful computing platforms. In the fitness, gaming, and entertainment industries, wearables have established utility, but their use in healthcare remains unclear.


Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition affecting many people worldwide. It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This backflow, known as acid reflux, can irritate the esophageal lining, leading to various uncomfortable symptoms.


Currently, hospital systems have more clinical and business documentation than they can handle. In light of the ongoing evolution of the system, and the initiatives to change or upgrade the EHR or other applications, you wonder how you will manage it.


Did you know that the sugar in your diet could be secretly damaging your skin? Although sugar may be a delicious thing, it can wreak havoc on your complexion. Not only does sugar cause acne but also accelerates the development of wrinkles, sugar has a huge impact on your skin health. Let's understand how sugar affects your skin, how cutting down on sugar can be an anti-ageing remedy - and all this naturally.


As more developing countries adopt electronic health records (EHR), this trend is set to continue. Health care is in dire need of this initiative since it increases quality while being cost-effective. Since technologies can introduce some risks, the safety of information in the system is a real concern. There have been recent security breaches that have raised questions about the system.


Honey, a natural wonder, isn't just for sweetening your tea; it's a powerful, all-natural skincare hero. From moisturizing and healing to brightening and anti-aging, honey offers many benefits that can transform your complexion.


In this digital age of healthcare, EHR Documentation is trending as a hot topic today, as it holds numerous benefits for better care coordination. Here we have explained how EHR documentation is important, the basics, benefits, and best practices of EHR documentation.


Dark circles under the eyes can make you look tired and older than you feel, casting shadows on your vibrant personality. Whether they caused from sleepless nights, genetic factors, or the stresses of daily life, they are a common beauty concern.


Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ready to become a life-changing force in Healthcare. You are using it in everyday life whether you are aware of it or not. AI assists you in discovering the perfect movie on Netflix, shows trending stories on your personalized Facebook feed, and plays your favorite music on demand through Amazon's Alexa. AI has numerous advantages over the traditional method of analytics and decision-making techniques. AI has endless applications in Healthcare.


Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common, especially among women, and can cause significant discomfort and pain. While it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for severe or recurrent UTIs, there are several home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and support the healing process.


EHR software collects, records, and maintains patient data. This can include common patient demographic information, medical history, diagnoses, medications, prescriptions, allergy list, documents, and lab results. The goal of an EHR is to organize patient data, creating it simpler for healthcare staff to evaluate a patient's record before or while their visit.


Are you pushing your limits at the gym but feeling constantly sore and fatigued? Achieving your fitness goals isn't just about lifting heavier or running faster - it's also about how well you recover. Effective muscle recovery can boost your performance, prevent injuries, and ensure that you’re always ready to tackle your next workout.


As per a study, the more time a physician spends seeing and communicating with a patient, the more satisfied the patient is with the quality of care. A physician's time is often busy with many other things in today's healthcare environment. The most significant one is, arguably, electronic health record (EHR) systems and EHR satisfaction.


Peppermint oil, derived from the peppermint plant, has been a cherished remedy in traditional medicine for centuries. Its primary component, menthol, is the secret behind many of its powerful health benefits.


There is nothing wrong to say that year 2020 was full of surprises for all the Industries, especially for the healthcare industry. The arrival of coronavirus showed how digital solutions are important for the healthcare industry to solve the challenges they are facing today.


Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It's often taken as a supplement to aid sleep, but many people report experiencing vivid or unusual dreams while taking it.


As countries are trying to vaccinate a majority of their population against COVID-19, many people are thinking about vaccination and wondering - when to get vaccinated, where to get vaccinated and how to get vaccinated.


Alzheimer's disease and muscle fatigue may seem like unrelated conditions at first glance, but emerging research suggests a surprising link between them: inflammation. Understanding this connection could pave the way for new treatment approaches and improve the quality of life for those affected.


Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources is also known as FHIR. It is an Interoperability specification that is formulated to exchange healthcare data and information known as "resources" and an application programming interface (API ) for exchanging health records electronically. The standard was created by the Health level seven International (HL7) healthcare standards organization.


When it comes to heart health, the tiny aspirin tablet might just be one of the most powerful friend in your medicine cabinet. Long known for its ability to soothe aches and pains, aspirin also plays a crucial role in protecting your heart. Let us discover how this everyday medication could be a game-changer for your cardiovascular well-being.


Advanced technology like Electronic Health Records (EHR) has changed the way healthcare professionals operate. Gone are the days when medical records were mostly paper-based.


Liquid biopsies represent a revolutionary advancement in cancer detection and monitoring. By analyzing tiny fragments of DNA and other biomarkers in the blood, liquid biopsies offer a non-invasive, real-time glimpse into the presence and progression of cancer. This revolutionary method promises not only earlier detection but also a more personalized approach to treatment.


In healthcare IT, it's really difficult to think of any huge buzzword other than interoperability. Interoperability influences healthcare quality for both - patients and physicians. The major purpose of healthcare interoperability is to enable the flow of health data seamlessly between care-provider and other healthcare systems participating in the care delivery of the patient for better decision making.


Eucalyptus oil is quite a versatile aromatic oil that offers several benefits. Whether you’re looking to breathe easier, relieve pain, or simply uplift your mood, eucalyptus oil offers several benefits that can transform your daily routine.


Patient access to their electronic health records (EHR) is now becoming an integral part of healthcare organizations across the world. It has the potential to decrease healthcare provision costs, improve access to healthcare data, self-care, quality of care, and patient-centered outcomes.


Vicks VapoRub is a popular topical ointment that has been used for generations to provide relief from various ailments. This multipurpose ointment isn't just for soothing colds and coughs; it's a versatile remedy that can ease muscle aches, relieve headaches, and even tackle skin issues.


The terms EHR and EMR are used interchangeably but an EHR and EMR serve different purposes despite having some similar characteristics. Understanding the difference between EHR and EMR is very important.


Chronic disease management is a critical area in healthcare, requiring ongoing care, patient engagement, and effective use of resources. Integrating AI with human touch can revolutionize this field by providing personalized and efficient care.


Electronic Health Records (EHR)s hold immense potential for healthcare professionals as well as for patients. Electronic Health Records(EHR)s are necessary to improving patient safety. As data is increasing day by day, maintaining large files and medical records of patients has become a problem among health organizations. EHR plays a vital role in maintaining and increasing patient safety.


From preventing painful fractures to warding off osteoporosis, understanding and maintaining your bone density is key to staying vibrant and mobile as you age. High bone density is essential for a healthy, active life.


Everyone wants doctors who listen to their problems. Unfortunately, doctors are often busy preparing notes for their patients on their computers. This frustrates and discourages patients during an appointment, which they may already find unenjoyable. That's why a Voice Recognition tool is important. Voice recognition feature in your Electronic Health Record (EHR) software is a powerful tool that helps to enhance communication and ease the physician's stress while charting.


In the fight against cancer, traditional chemotherapy has long been a cornerstone of treatment. However, as science advances, a new era of non-invasive therapies is emerging, offering promising alternatives that could transform cancer care.


As technology grows, Electronic Health Records(EHR) companies are looking for ways to engage patients with chronic diseases. Chronic diseases like- cancer, heart, and diabetes are placing a burden on world healthcare systems. In response, some health care organizations are starting chronic disease management (CDM) programs to decrease the incidence of preventable hospitalizations and unfavorable events by more effectively and comprehensively managing the health of patients with chronic conditions.


Imagine tackling that nagging back pain or persistent headache not with synthetic drugs, but with the powerful, time-tested remedies found in your own kitchen or garden. Whether you're looking for a natural alternative for pain relief or just curious about holistic wellness, these remedies might just be your solution.


In today's health environment, more and more independent practices are moving towards value-based care. Value-based care is a healthcare model where physicians get paid for the quality of care they provide unlike the traditional model of care where physicians get paid for their services and nothing else.


Imagine a future where aging is not just slow decline, but a process we can actively control and delay. Imagine a world where our bodies stay young and flexible, not just by chance, but through cutting-edge science. Scientists are uncovering the mystery of how protein inhibition could revolutionize our understanding of aging. By targeting specific proteins that induce cellular damage and degradation, we may be able to stop the biological clock.


Digital transformation in the healthcare industry offer opportunities to help physicians and manage patient in primary care. Healthcare providers start using Electronic Health Records (EHR) to improve population health and better maintain health data.


CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that's making significant strides in cancer research. This technology offers the potential to rewrite cancer’s genetic code, opening doors to targeted therapies and personalized treatments that could transform how we approach one of the most formidable diseases.

Stay informed.


Get access to award-winning industry coverage, including latest news, case studies and expert advice.

Success in Technology is about staying Informed!

Follow us


Subscribe to Webmedy Youtube Channel for Latest Videos

Donate


Your generous donation makes a huge difference!

Stay informed.


Get access to award-winning industry coverage, including latest news, case studies and expert advice.

Success in Technology is about staying Informed!

Subscribe

Follow us


Subscribe to Webmedy Youtube Channel for Latest Videos

Loading...

Donate


Your generous donation makes a huge difference!

Donate

Follow us


Subscribe to Webmedy Youtube Channel for Latest Videos

Loading...

© 2024 Ardinia Systems Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.
Privacy Policy
Webmedy is a product from Ardinia Systems.