ONC: Interoperability in Action

March 24, 2017

Categories: Thought Leadership

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It should come as no surprise that the future of electronic health records rests on interoperability. Everyone can agree that in order to improve health outcomes, we must find solutions that promote patient connectivity. Luckily, progress has been and continues to be made. 

Earlier this week, CNSI participated in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) Tech Lab’s Inaugural Interoperability in Action Day where we learned about the challenges and innovations of this very charge. Throughout the day, the ONC showcased contest winners who excelled in creating solutions that addressed various interoperability challenges. Here are three themes that emerged:

Patient Access: Patients want real-time access to their health data and the ability to gather their health records from various doctors in one secure location. 
Patient Control: Patients want control of their data. They want the ability to approve or deny permission for providers to access, send, and receive health information electronically.
Patient-Physician Engagement: Patients want a way to actively engage with their doctors regarding any questions they have on their condition, medication adherence, and progress on their health.

At CNSI, we are contributing to that progress on a daily basis. For example, the myHealthButton mobile application is providing health care providers and patients convenient access to an individual’s health data and other available health resources. In addition, the New Hampshire Electronic Cause of Death (eCOD) app is allowing the CDC to track real-time information in order to identify potential health epidemics. 

In the ever-changing world of health IT, we look forward to working with organizations and states to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve health via interoperability and collaboration.