Moving Beyond Interoperability To Data Analysis For Better Patient Care

Consider the following scenario: A patient receives a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan in an effort to obtain a detailed, precise image of some bothersome kidney stones. The patient then takes a compact disc loaded with the image to her outpatient surgery center, where the kidney stone procedure will take place. The clinicians at the surgery center can’t read the CD— and, therefore, proceed with the surgery using a sub-standard picture that the patient’s husband had stored on his phone. The patient ends up leaving the surgery with the doctor saying: “I think we got it all but I am not sure.”

Ouch. This example illustrates why the healthcare industry needs interoperable computer systems. When systems don’t communicate with one another, healthcare organizations can expect to encounter a variety of problems, including less than optimal quality and patient satisfaction, as well as increased readmissions and potential revenue loss. On the flip side, with interoperable technology, healthcare providers can improve quality, enhance efficiency, and control costs.

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