The last thing a clinician needs during days packed with patient rounds and documentation demands is a clunky electronic health record (EHR) system. But that's the daily reality for thousands of professionals across the US — and that's where EHR interoperability comes in.
At first glance, "EHR interoperability" may not seem much more than a modern healthcare buzzword. But it's not just tech jargon — it's the foundation and cornerstone for connected care.
EHR interoperability refers to the ability of different electronic health record systems to exchange and use patient data. This, in turn, allows different clinicians to work through multiple settings and systems cohesively.
In a way, this is similar to the difference between EHRs and electronic medical records (EMRs). EMRs are digital patient charts prepared to work in one specific organization, while EHRs work across multiple touch-points.
When we talk about EHR interoperability, we're referring to making those already cross-system connections seamless and even more flexible.
There are four crucial pillars of interoperability:
Foundational: The most basic pillar, this aspect ensures data can travel from one system to another.
Structural: To further improve interoperability, systems must be designed to maintain integrity and format when exchanging data.
Semantic: Different systems should interpret data in the same way and show relevant concepts through a common and accurate vocabulary.
Organizational: It's not just exchanging data — it should also share policies, workflows, and governance among systems and clinicians.
Once these four pillars are implemented, clinicians can access comprehensive patient data no matter where it was created. That's much more than a streamlined workflow: it's the backbone of coordinated patient care.
While EHR interoperability is fundamental for anyone working in healthcare, it's particularly transformative for long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) clinicians.
These professionals work with patients who constantly go between hospitals, home care settings, and other health centers. Without the right interoperable technology, clinicians are left chasing down documents in other facilities or relying on what patients can recall.
Instead, EHR interoperability allows access to data such as medications, diagnoses, test results, and progress notes in an organized way. Handoffs and decision-making (among other benefits of EHR interoperability) are improved across the board.
That effect also extends to patients and clinicians. Improved outcomes mean fewer readmissions. Redundant testing is reduced, lessening the administrative burden on staff to allow them to focus on what really matters.
The recent push for interoperability is also a consequence of recent regulatory mandates and not just part of common EHR system features.
The most important law regarding this topic is the 21st Century Cures Act. Passed in 2016, it aims to, among other things, give patients reliable and easy access to health data. As part of this, organizations must have interoperable systems that share information transparently.
The 21st Century Cures Act comes from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC). The ONC also introduced the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA).
TEFCA is a communication and data-sharing protocol that establishes a common model for the US to exchange healthcare information. This is essential not only to comply with regulations but also to help keep interoperability consistent nationwide.
If your organization fails to meet these regulations, it will soon face stiff financial penalties.
Programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) establish standards tied to Medicare reimbursements. Among these is data-sharing. As value-based care becomes more common, EHR interoperability will prove to be even more essential.
Interoperability is paramount to getting ahead in today's digital healthcare landscape, but it poses different challenges.
The first, naturally, is the lack of standardization across EHRs and other systems. Despite efforts on behalf of the ONC through TEFCA, some misalignments exist across clinicians and health centers.
Strict adherence to HIPAA norms is also a common cause of concern. Sharing sensitive health data will always raise concerns, so balancing open access with tight data security is crucial.
Furthermore, some clunky integrations lead to fragmented workflows, which may further complicate things. Data may be technically available, but going through dozens of redundant steps is always a headache.
And last but not least, integrating EHRs in place of EMRs is easier said than done. Replacing old workflows with seamless alternatives can take a lot of effort from staff and managers.
So, how do you correctly navigate these EHR interoperability challenges and ensure the right EHR impact on healthcare delivery?
The industry never sits still, so promising solutions are always appearing to pave the way to seamless interoperability.
Forward-thinking platforms are systems built to prioritize data exchange, intuitive workflows, and secure communication. Their goal is to simplify complexity by integrating interoperability from the ground up.
For example, a solution that leverages a modern standard, such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), will enable smooth data sharing. At the same time, providing real-time access to clinical data will help make decisions faster and more accurately.
Solutions evolve — and, with the right choice, clinicians will inevitably use less time on administrative paperwork. But it's also about the cost benefits of choosing the right EHR.
At ChartPath, we strive to provide an easy-to-use platform for LTPAC clinicians who need fast solutions. Our EHR systems make interoperability a given instead of a challenge.
Real-time data access, automated documentation, and smart integrations are just some of the features that help professionals stay in sync no matter where they are. Our mission is simple: To help clinicians stay away from keyboards and dedicate their time to what really matters.
With ChartPath, interoperability is a feature — if you're ready to explore how it can help, explore our EHR solutions today!
The evolution of EHR interoperability isn't stopping any time soon. National frameworks are just gaining traction, and innovations in cloud tech and AI in EHRs have been blossoming in recent years.
For LTPAC clinicians, this can't mean anything other than a clear shift toward a future where seamless data exchange is the norm. Safer transitions, faster decision-making, and empowered clinicians — catching up in time will inevitably mean getting ahead of the curve.