8 min read

Boosting care coordination: importance of interoperability in healthcare

Healthcare

Quality of care often depends on how well different providers — primary and specialty care organizations, labs, and medical imaging clinics — work together when diagnosing and treating the patient. Interoperability is the backbone of this collaboration, enabling the IT systems of different healthcare providers to exchange health information securely. Now, more medical institutions invest in interoperability, with over 50% of them aiming to improve patient outcomes and operational workflows, according to Statista.

In this article, we’ll explore what interoperability in healthcare is all about, including its types, benefits, present, and future.

Achieve software interoperability with a qualified partner

Having hands-on experience with data exchange formats like HL7, FHIR, and DICOM, Innowise can help your business ensure medical software interoperability on all levels. Our ISO 9001 and ISO 27001-certified quality and security management systems guarantee that we handle data exchange without compromising safety.

The current state of interoperability in healthcare

In recent years, demand for data interoperability in healthcare has seen significant growth. According to the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC), the number of hospitals routinely engaging in interoperable exchange has grown from 28% in 2018 to 43% in 2023.

This trend will likely continue: Statista reports that 98% of survey respondents representing top US health systems have the same or larger budgets for interoperability than a year before. The reasoning behind these business decisions is clear: interoperable solutions reduce operational costs and improve care coordination among healthcare providers.

Interoperability in healthcare: market insights

$6.20 bln

is the healthcare interoperability solutions

Source: Precedence Research

14.18%

market CAGR for interoperability in healthcare from 2024 to 2033Source: Precedence Research

43%

of healthcare providers engage in interoperable data exchangeSource: ONC

Types of interoperability in healthcare

Foundational interoperability

This level of interoperability allows different healthcare solutions to share data and communicate — similar to exchanging basic information like emails, documents, or PDFs. However, foundational interoperability is insufficient for comprehensive cross-system data processing and integration.

Structural interoperability

A structural level of interoperability means unifying the data formats and structuring information so that IT systems can consistently process it. For instance, IT solutions can use common healthcare interoperability standards like HL7 v2 or FHIR to share clinical data between EHR and LIMS software.

Semantic interoperability

Semantic interoperability ensures that when clinical data is shared, both sides understand it the same way. It’s not about the format but rather the shared convention among healthcare organizations on the meaning of terms. It can be achieved using common terminology standards, like CPT, LOINC, etc.

Organizational interoperability

This type of interoperability is about how different healthcare providers can share and use data effectively. It involves health information exchange software, policies, and workflows that make communication among organizations smooth and lead to more coordinated care.

According to Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 healthcare data interoperability research, medical organizations will focus on software data integration for the next 2–3 years. Taking a step further, they will likely prioritize semantic interoperability. EHR interoperability also remains essential: according to the KLAS clinician survey, only 44% of respondents say their EHRs provide expected external integration.

At Innowise, we understand that achieving true interoperability in healthcare is a complex yet crucial task. With experience in ensuring interoperability across all four levels, we help organizations connect systems seamlessly and ensure smooth data exchange or migration. Putting to practice our expertise with HL7, FHIR, or DICOM healthcare interoperability standards, we make sure your IT environment is securely integrated so you can focus on delivering better patient care.

Aleh Yafimau

Delivery manager at Innowise

Healthcare software that requires interoperability

Interoperability is essential for almost every type of healthcare software, as it helps make information more cohesive. Below, we list the most in-demand examples of interoperability in healthcare.

Electronic health records software

EHRs can be integrated with IT software ecosystems or health information exchange systems to help doctors access complete data and ensure correct diagnosis and treatment.

Patient applications

Interoperable patient apps can connect with healthcare software, enabling patients to track their health data, share their vitals and symptoms, schedule appointments, and communicate with providers.

Laboratory information management systems

With interoperable LIMS systems, laboratories can share test results with healthcare providers in real time. It gives doctors timely, accurate diagnostic information and can make informed patient care decisions.

Health information exchange systems

Interoperable HIE systems allow doctors to securely share patient data with other healthcare networks. This ensures that providers have access to up-to-date information, no matter where care is being provided.

Talk to experts in interoperable healthcare software

Benefits of interoperability in healthcare

By adopting data interoperability at all levels, healthcare providers get major business benefits and create a connected environment where information flows smoothly across various platforms.

Improved patient outcomes
Reduced costs
Enhanced care coordination
Patient engagement
Public health and research

Improved patient outcomes

Data interoperability allows healthcare providers to access complete patient histories, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans. This seamless information exchange helps reduce errors and improves overall health outcomes.

Reduced costs

When healthcare providers get complete patient data, they can avoid repetitive tests, procedures, and consultations. This not only saves time for patients and physicians but also reduces costs of care.

Enhanced care coordination

Interoperability allows multiple healthcare providers—like specialists, labs, and primary care doctors—to easily share patient information, leading to better, coordinated care. This reduces treatment gaps and ensures patients receive timely medical services.

Patient engagement

When patients can access their health data through interoperable systems, they feel more in control of their healthcare decisions. This encourages active patient participation in care and improves health outcomes.

Public health and research

Interoperable data sharing enables the collection and analysis of vast amounts of health data, which can improve public health initiatives and drive research. This helps develop better treatment methods and policies that benefit entire populations.

Improved patient outcomes

Reduced costs

Enhanced care coordination

Patient engagement

Public health and research

The future of healthcare interoperability

Looking ahead, healthcare interoperability will be shaped by the growing adoption of data exchange standards, advancements in cutting-edge technologies, and a focus on patient engagement.

FHIR adoption

FHIR is rapidly becoming the gold standard for data exchange in healthcare, as it provides a standardized communication framework for medical software, ultimately improving data access. Now, ONC reports that 73% of digital health companies use FHIR standards to integrate with EHRs, and this share will continue to rise.

Blockchain technology

Even though blockchain technology can not support data standardization, it provides a platform for secure healthcare data exchange between the trusted network of healthcare providers. By adopting blockchain solutions, medical organizations can ensure that sensitive health data is safe, traceable, and correct.

AI and ML

When applied to interoperability, AI and ML are bound to help harmonize and standardize data across different systems. These technologies also assist in data centralization, making it easier to aggregate and analyze healthcare data in real time.

Patient-centric interoperability

Empowering patients to take accountability for their health has been a trend for several years. Now, most patients can share their vitals and monitor personal medical records, getting more control over their health. The interoperability of patient apps and clinical IT systems will further support it.

Global standards harmonization

Efforts to harmonize global healthcare standards are gaining momentum, with organizations like the Global Consortium for eHealth Interoperability working to align regulatory frameworks. This international push ensures that health IT systems are universally compatible, improving patient care coordination worldwide.

Wrapping up: making the most of healthcare interoperability

For many healthcare organizations worldwide, enabling interoperability at all four levels will likely be a long-term goal in the upcoming years. Even though it requires significant data harmonization, standardization, and integration efforts, it brings many benefits in the long run — both medical and financial.

If you need an experienced partner to make your interoperability project a reality, don’t hesitate to contact Innowise. Our healthcare IT consultants and developers know all the ins and outs and will guide you through all project stages.

FAQ on the importance of interoperability in healthcare

What role does the government play in promoting healthcare interoperability?

Government agencies worldwide are the main driving forces behind healthcare interoperability, as they set policies, standards, and incentives that encourage data sharing and collaboration among healthcare providers. For example, in the US, initiatives like the HITECH Act and the 21st Century Cures Act push for the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and ensure that systems are compatible across different platforms.

What standards are used for healthcare interoperability?

Healthcare interoperability relies on data exchange standards that ensure systems interact with each other consistently and securely. The most commonly used formats in the industry are HL7 v2, HL7 v3, FHIR, DICOM, CCD, ASC X12, and SCRIPT. These standards help create universal frameworks for healthcare solutions and care providers to exchange clinical information without disruptions.

How can healthcare organizations achieve interoperability?

When working with healthcare organizations on interoperability-related projects, we recommend focusing on data standardization and integration. Providers should ensure that all their IT systems support data exchange standards, like FHIR or DICOM, and follow all security and compliance requirements when sharing the data.