Smooth information sharing between healthcare providers is essential for delivering top-quality care. That’s where EMR software comes in. Interoperability in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software means it can easily share and utilize data across various healthcare systems. Patients with multiple healthcare providers can receive optimal care across the board through interoperable EMR systems.
Why Interoperability is Important
EMR software without interoperable capabilities ends up isolated, creating data silos. This makes informed decision-making concerning care plans and prescriptions harder for doctors and nurses. Interoperable software, however, ensures that information can move smoothly between primary care doctors, specialists, labs, pharmacies, and even patients themselves. This connected approach allows for a comprehensive view of a patient’s health history and, in turn, makes coordinating care much smoother.
For patients themselves, it translates to a better care experience. All their data is easily accessible online. Test results, prescriptions, doses, health progress, and clinical notes can all be accessed in one place. For healthcare providers, it results in more precise diagnoses and treatment plans.
Leading EMR Software Vendors for Interoperability
KLAS Research has highlighted several interoperable EHR software vendors that are current market leaders.
Epic Systems
Epic Systems is a strong candidate because of its Care Everywhere feature that lets patient information be shared across various organizations and EMR software. Epic EMR Software is widely used by large hospitals and healthcare providers.
Cerner EMR Software
Cerner EMR Software, now part of Oracle Health, is another industry leader. Their dedication to groups like the CommonWell Health Alliance and other interoperability standards has made it possible for data to flow more freely across different healthcare environments. Cerner’s tools for interoperability let healthcare providers see patient records from other sources right within their workflow.
MEDITECH EMR Software
MEDITECH EHR Software is also considered a top-rated vendor, especially for its Expanse platform. They’ve shown they can successfully connect with both public and private health networks, and they’re part of the important Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA).
Government Initiatives to Boost Interoperability
Government policies, such as the 21st Century Cures Act and TEFCA, have helped aid the effort of widespread interoperable EMR software. These rules insist that EMR systems allow secure, standardized sharing of information and stop practices that block data access. Companies are being held to FHIR standards and are asked to comply by backing open connections and developing secure ways of handling data.
