Interoperability in healthcare is crucial for delivering high-quality care, reducing costs, and improving efficiencies. As the interoperable exchange of health information enhances, 88% of hospitals in the US participate in electronic health data exchange as of 2021, as revealed by the ONC data brief. The ONC data brief shows the state of interoperability among hospitals.

Highlights from the ONC interoperability report

  • In the year 2021, more than 6 out of 10 hospitals took part in the electronic sharing of data and integrated care record summaries into Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software.
  • Electronic health information availability and usage from outside sources at the point of care increased from 62% to 71% in 2021.
  • Hospitals’ most common methods for electronic data exchange were HIEs and Health Information Service Providers (HISPs).
  • Almost 90% of hospitals upgraded their EHR systems to the 2015 edition through 2021 and 74% of hospitals used bulk data export technology.

Positive findings about interoperability in 2021

  • 80% of hospitals found any patient health information electronically in 2021.
  • Hospital engagement in all characteristics of exchange including send, receive, and query increased from 2017 to 2021.
  • Integrating summary of care records into electronic health records software also amplified.

Small and rural hospitals experienced an improvement in having information electronically available at the point of care supporting patient care and the provider’s decision-making. Also, hospitals noted the ability to smoothly integrate information into their EMR software in 2021.

The importance of EHR integration

EMR software integration enables medical records to be seamlessly accessed across healthcare software technology. EHR integration enhances practice management and provides easy access to medical records which helps to treat patients effectively. Crucial patient information available at the point of care can help enhance health outcome levels.

ONC takes steps to enhance the value of integration

Recently, ONC took steps to enhance the data quality from external sources. They did this by advancing the use of definite data elements and required the use of an application programming interface (API) technology. Such efforts will ensure that data is available when required and integrated into the EMR system to drive care decisions.