Vol 1: Issue 1

Interoperability

Our cover story pinpoints the opportunities we have as an industry to rethink connection — and realize the promise of a truly interconnected healthcare ecosystem. Throughout the issue, we identify the challenges that a more connected ecosystem will solve, from easing the burden of documentation on clinicians to balancing the inequities in accessing care. We hear from the former National Coordinator for Health IT on the future of interoperability as the 21st Century Cures Act takes effect and reflect on how much more work still needs to be done. And we consider how much more innovation can be achieved when data flows freely, whether in developing new technologies or new approaches to primary care. Finally, we share research findings on the clinical impact of team-based care and strategies for engaging with high-risk patients, based on data from the athenahealth network.