Think beyond compliance towards data-enabled innovation

Interoperability is often viewed as a top-down mandate ratherthan a business opportunity. Government agencies havehistorically led the way on interoperability by incentivizingproviders to advance data-sharing through legislation andfinancial penalties. Compliance is often the primary driver behindhow interoperability initiatives are perceived and prioritized.

Regulation should be viewed as a mere first step. Greaterinteroperability can provide an array of long-term strategicbenefits, from better care coordination to more efficient businessoperations. Health care leaders must be actively thinking aboutboth meeting compliance requirements and innovatively usingdata to advance their strategy.