Healthcare Interoperability
Healthcare Interoperability is the ability of different health information systems, devices, and applications to access, exchange, integrate, and cooperatively use data in a coordinated manner within and across organizational boundaries. It enables seamless data sharing among healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders to improve care coordination, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency. This concept is foundational to modern healthcare IT, supporting initiatives like electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine.
Developers should learn Healthcare Interoperability when building or integrating health-related software, such as EHR systems, patient portals, or medical device applications, to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and standards like HL7 FHIR. It is crucial for enabling data exchange in scenarios like referrals between providers, public health reporting, and patient access to their health information, reducing errors and duplication in healthcare delivery.