Why Interoperability Alone Is No Longer Enough

For years, interoperability has beaconed as the ultimate goal for healthcare providers. 

However, with the ONC’s Cures Act, this one-time aspiration is now a must for compliance.

As organizations rush toward compliance, it is increasingly apparent that interoperability alone isn’t enough to solve the complex connection needs of providers.

Read on to learn why a truly connected network is vital to your organization’s data-sharing success.

What is a Connected Network?

Simply defined as a network that enables seamless data exchange between a facility’s care providers and payers, a truly connected network results in:

• Faster care coordination
• Reduced hospitalization
• Data-empowered employees able to complete care more efficiently
• Improved clinical results in shorter timeframes
• Enhanced reputation and network value
• Increased reimbursement

While interoperability is the tool that makes this data exchange possible, it is the ability of the connected network to leverage software to exchange and make use of that data on an operational level.

How Can My Organization Achieve a Fully-Connected Network?

Digital transformation is not a road you should have to travel alone.

As you move along the path to a connected network, your technology partner should support you every step of the way.

Below are three key strategies you can take with your technology partner to reach a fully-connected network:

Be Transparent

There’s no point masking your intentions from your technology vendor: Be transparent in your goals, challenges, and risks.

As you explore your options with your vendor, be sure to articulate your strategic priorities and how you will measure success.

Consider Process Changes

When you transition to new technology, you must be open to adjusting existing processes to fit new workflows.

If these changes seem too drastic, keep in mind that you are undergoing a massive transition.

Change was never meant to be easy.

Assess Your Partnership

Perhaps you have a long-standing relationship with your current technology partner, or perhaps you’ve just completed implementation.

Either way, before committing to any technological overhaul, it’s time to assess that partnership. Considerations should include:

• Does your vendor leverage industry best practices and provide practical solutions for today while keeping an eye on the needs of tomorrow?
• Does your vendor have an innovation culture and strong partner ecosystem?
• Does your vendor use industry standard protocols to share and consume relevant data with/from your care partners?

By enacting these three strategies, your organization can begin the transition to a connected network.

What Will a Connected Network Mean for My Organization?

When you implement a connected network, the benefits extend cross-organizationally, resulting in:

• Reduced overhead costs
• Automated information collection as part of the care delivery process
• Increased provider ease-of-access to patient data
• Earlier risk identification
• Reduced overhead costs
• Improved staff satisfaction
• Increased referral source satisfaction yielding improved census

While interoperability is the vehicle that drives connection at your organization, a connected network is the road that leads to the future of healthcare.