Interoperability
Definition
Interoperability is the ability of different health IT systems, such as EHRs, payer systems and apps, to exchange data and use it without special effort. Federal rules push payers and providers toward standard APIs built on HL7 FHIR.
By the Candor Health team
Last reviewed
Also called healthcare interoperability and data interoperability
What does interoperability mean for provider data?
Provider directories, referrals and claims all depend on systems agreeing on who a provider is and where they practice. Shared standards make it possible to send that data between systems.
Which rules apply?
CMS interoperability rules require many payers to publish provider directories through FHIR APIs. ONC's health IT rules cover how certified EHRs share data.
The catch
Interoperability moves data faster. It doesn't make it correct. Sharing an inaccurate directory through an API spreads the errors further.