Interoperability

Ed Simcox, who left HHS in February, says it's time to create an information-sharing system that leverages modern technologies – before the next crisis hits.

The deal will improve mapping of clinical and administrative codes between health and care organisations, enhancing interoperability.

While "EHRs have known shortcomings," coordinated data initiatives and better interoperability can create a truly effective health IT infrastructure, say technology leaders from 15 academic medical centers.

The COVID-19 crisis has led to major leaps forward for telehealth, decision support and more, says Hal Wolf – but big work remains on interoperability, patient ID, social determinants and other building blocks of population health.  

The document describes the government's hopes for how technology goals should be prioritized over the next five years – with an emphasis on patients' access to their health data.

As health systems, HIEs and IT developers stay focused on a new surge in COVID-19 cases, they're thankful for the extension but say they remain committed to API-enabled patient access.

Of the 15 cities examined, Cleveland had the highest rate of hospitals that reported the ability to find, send, receive and integrate electronic health information with sources outside their health system, according to a new report from ONC.  

The updated interim final rule, meant to offer providers and developers more flexibility as they respond to COVID-19, also pushes out health IT certification requirements.

Even as massive resources have been marshaled to quickly develop new tools, the pandemic still disproportionately affects the populations who may not have access to them.

Seamless shared health information can support patient transitions, from hospital discharge to outpatient follow-up care, signaling yet another potential advantage of telemedicine.