U.S. Hospital Interoperability Leaps from 23% to 70% by 2023

May 29, 2024
The healthcare industry is witnessing a transformation with hospitals across the United States making significant progress in establishing interoperability, a cornerstone for efficient and effective patient care. According to a recent report by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), an astonishing leap has been observed in the percentage of hospitals meeting the defined interoperability criteria—the ability to send, receive, query, and integrate electronic health information. This jump from 23% in 2014 to a staggering 70% in 2023 is a clear indicator that the healthcare sector is moving towards a more connected and data-driven future.

Understanding the Four Domains of Interoperability

Sending and Receiving Electronic Health Information

The ONC’s interoperability criteria encompass multiple facets of electronic data exchange. Previously, many hospitals struggled with the basic functions of sending and receiving electronic health information. However, recent data shows that this is no longer the case. A vast majority of hospitals are now proficient in these domains, with substantial improvements over the past few years. This is particularly evident in larger hospitals and those located in urban areas, which have outpaced their rural and independent counterparts. The discrepancy suggests that access to resources could be influencing these capabilities.

Querying and Integrating External Data

Moving beyond the basic exchange of information, hospitals are increasingly able to query and integrate external data at the point of care. This integration of data from outside sources is crucial for informed decision-making and enhances the quality of patient care. The ONC reports that 42% of hospitals overall are utilizing external data, a figure that rises in facilities with a higher routine of interoperability. However, there is still room for growth, as this practice varies widely based on hospital size and affiliation, and less frequent engagement is noted with certain provider types, particularly long-term post-acute and behavioral health providers.

Addressing the Gaps and Moving Forward

Efforts to Expand Interoperability

Despite the strides in hospital interoperability, the ONC acknowledges existing gaps and the need for regular and consistent data exchange practices. To mitigate these issues, initiatives like the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) and the Behavioral Health IT Initiative have been put forth. These efforts are designed to boost interoperability across the care continuum, including the harder-to-reach sectors of long-term and behavioral health care. By promoting and establishing common data exchange standards, the aim is to foster a seamless flow of information across all facets of healthcare.

The Need for Continuous Improvement

The healthcare realm in the U.S. is undergoing a pivotal shift as hospitals nationwide make strides in achieving interoperability — a fundamental aspect of delivering high-quality, seamless patient care. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) has released a report highlighting a remarkable surge in hospitals that are now meeting the essential criteria for interoperability. This includes the capabilities to send, receive, query, and integrate electronic health information. From a modest 23% in 2014, there has been a dramatic increase to an impressive 70% in 2023. Such a significant increase is a testament to the healthcare industry’s commitment to evolving into a more integrated, data-centric environment. This evolution is paramount as it promises to enhance patient outcomes by fostering a more coordinated approach to managing health information across the healthcare continuum.

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