In electronic health records, what does "interoperability" refer to?

Interoperability in the context of electronic health records (EHR) refers to the capability of various health information systems and software applications to communicate and exchange data accurately and effectively. This allows healthcare providers to share and access patient information seamlessly, regardless of the systems they use.

When different EHR systems are interoperable, healthcare professionals can access a comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history, including diagnoses, allergies, medications, and test results, irrespective of where the patient has received care. This capability is essential for providing coordinated and efficient patient care, reducing errors, improving outcomes, and ensuring that providers have the most current information available for decision-making.

The other aspects mentioned, such as medical coding, security of patient information, and the cost of implementing EHR systems, play important roles in the overall function of healthcare systems; however, they do not define interoperability. Medical coding pertains to the classification of health information, security focuses on protecting patient data, and costs are related to the investment and resources needed to deploy EHR systems, none of which directly explain the seamless exchange and use of patient information.