The importance of connectivity and collaboration cannot be overstated. In the world of healthcare, interoperability and virtual care go hand in hand, working together to create a seamless, integrated, and high-quality patient experience.
Did you know that over 50% of hospitals in the United States now offer their patients some form of virtual care?
Virtual care has come a long way, and with the recent advances in telehealth, patients can now access medical advice and care from the comfort of their own homes. However, this growing technology requires strong interoperability between healthcare systems to ensure a smooth exchange of data, which ultimately improves patient outcomes.
For instance, let’s say a patient has a virtual appointment with their primary care physician, who then refers them to a specialist. If their EHR systems are interoperable, sharing the patient’s medical records with the specialist would be as easy as clicking a button. No lost paperwork, no endless waiting by the phone, and no need for the patient to play messenger between healthcare providers.
The seamless flow of information enabled by interoperability allows healthcare providers to work more efficiently and reduce duplicate testing, which in turn saves time and money for both the patient and the provider.
Of course, we must also address the potential privacy concerns that come with information sharing. With increased interoperability, the chance of compromising patient privacy may increase as well. Thankfully, there are robust data protection measures in place to ensure that patients’ medical records remain confidential, and only authorized users can access them.
At a recent virtual care conference, a panelist shared an insightful thought with the audience, “Interoperability isn’t just about technology; it’s about people working together to break barriers, enhance patient care, and ultimately save lives.” That profound statement is echoed by everyone here at VitalTech.
Interoperability’s significance extends beyond the smooth exchange of medical records; it also paves the way for collaborative learning, research, and innovation in the healthcare industry.
As the world continues to gravitate toward digital solutions for healthcare, the intertwined development of interoperability and virtual care has become an essential force in improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, and ultimately transforming the healthcare experience for everyone involved.
Over the course of the next few months, VitalTech will be sharing new blogs that further discuss interoperability and healthcare. Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter below!
If you’re interested in learning how VitalTech can empower your care teams and patients, reach out to us today.
