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Sep 8, 2025·Becker's Hospital Review

A federal judge has permitted certain antitrust claims in Particle Health's lawsuit against Epic Systems to advance, while dismissing others. Particle Health, a startup focused on health data exchange, accuses Epic of monopolistic practices that allegedly hampered its growth by limiting access to electronic health records and making damaging public statements. Epic has refuted these claims, stating that its actions were intended to safeguard patient data and ensure compliance with national health data exchange standards. This legal battle underscores significant concerns regarding competition in the healthcare technology sector, with the outcome potentially impacting how health data is shared and accessed among providers and insurers.

Sep 3, 2025·Health Data Management

Aneesh Chopra, the first Chief Technology Officer of the U.S., emphasizes the promise of the newly announced CMS Interoperability Framework in advancing healthcare data exchange. With support from 60 healthcare organizations, including major providers, the initiative aims to enhance patient access to health information and improve data interoperability through the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. Chopra notes that previous efforts faltered by focusing on consumer-facing APIs rather than essential business-to-business interactions, indicating a shift in strategy could better support value-based care. This initiative, structured on the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement, seeks to create a baseline for interoperability that could significantly enhance healthcare delivery and efficiency.

Sep 1, 2025·linkedin.com

Brendan Keeler from HTD Health highlights the significant yet incomplete progress of healthcare organizations in adopting the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). While Epic aims to have all its affiliated organizations committed to TEFCA by the end of 2024, many large health systems, academic institutions, and health service providers—including Northwell Health and CVS Health—have yet to pledge. This lag in participation raises concerns about interoperability and data sharing, which are critical for improving patient care and streamlining healthcare processes. The delayed adoption by key players underscores ongoing challenges in achieving a fully connected healthcare ecosystem.

Aug 28, 2025·prnewswire.com

Findhelp has introduced the Tennessee Community Compass, a digital infrastructure designed to modernize care coordination for TennCare Medicaid members. This centralized platform connects various stakeholders—TennCare, health plans, providers, and community organizations—streamlining referral, service authorization, and data sharing processes. The initiative aims to improve health outcomes for over 1.4 million members by addressing social determinants of health through more efficient workflows. Its implementation represents a significant step in enhancing the operational efficiency of government health programs, facilitating better resource allocation to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Aug 17, 2025·Healthcare IT News

HealthEx, in partnership with athenahealth, CLEAR, MedAllies, and CommonWell Health Alliance, has launched an innovative patient data interoperability platform designed to facilitate real-time data exchange across various health systems. Leveraging individual access services under the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), the platform enables secure access and sharing of medical information, empowering patients in their healthcare journeys. Its integrated identity verification and consent management ensure transparency, providing patients insight into who accesses their data, thereby fostering trust. This development aligns with federal initiatives to revolutionize health data interoperability, moving away from outdated data collection methods toward a more efficient and patient-focused approach.

Aug 14, 2025·businesswire.com

Athenahealth is advancing its athenaOne platform by integrating AI-driven interoperability to improve patient engagement, care coordination, and revenue cycle management across U.S. physician practices. This initiative aims to alleviate administrative burdens and enhance the healthcare experience by making clinical insights actionable at the point of care, moving beyond basic compliance and data sharing. By implementing the Trusted Exchange Framework and enhancing existing AI features like Document Services and ChartSync, Athenahealth seeks to facilitate real-time interactions among diverse data sources, ultimately aiming for better clinical outcomes. These developments signify a pivotal shift toward a more integrated and efficient healthcare system, highlighting the critical role of AI in future healthcare technologies.

Aug 10, 2025·linkedin.com

The recent announcement of the CMS Aligned Network has sparked mixed reactions within the healthcare community, as noted by Anthony Leon, a veteran in healthcare interoperability. While the initiative aims to enhance data sharing and patient access through existing infrastructure and FHIR APIs, concerns about government involvement and data privacy remain prevalent. Leon emphasizes the necessity of clear communication regarding patient data rights and calls for momentum to ensure the initiative avoids the pitfalls of previous interoperability efforts. Ultimately, the success of this network could significantly improve patient and provider experiences by streamlining access to critical health information.

Aug 4, 2025·mobihealthnews.com

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is promoting the use of SMART health cards and QR codes to streamline the sharing of medical histories between patients and healthcare providers, aiming to enhance patient-centered care. This initiative is designed to alleviate administrative burdens on providers, allowing them to concentrate more on patient interactions and care quality. By fostering collaboration with the private sector to develop data-sharing applications, CMS seeks to improve health outcomes and patient engagement. This effort is part of a broader trend towards integrating digital technologies into healthcare to boost efficiency and overall service delivery.

Jul 30, 2025·CMS.gov

At a White House event co-hosted with CMS, major tech and health companies—including Amazon, Anthropic, Apple, Google, and OpenAI—committed to help build a “patient‑centric” digital health ecosystem focused on interoperability and user‑friendly tools. The Administration introduced a CMS Interoperability Framework and the concept of “CMS‑Aligned Networks,” with more than 60 organizations pledging to collaborate, many aiming to deliver early results by Q1 2026. CMS also outlined near‑term steps: enhancing Medicare’s Plan Finder, launching a FHIR‑based National Provider Directory, adding modern digital identity to Medicare.gov, speeding access to Blue Button claims data, integrating identity and directory validation into Data at the Point of Care, and creating an app library on Medicare.gov to highlight trusted tools for prevention, chronic disease management, and navigation. Together, these efforts aim to “kill the clipboard,” reduce provider burden, and give patients secure, modern ways to access and share their records.

Jul 29, 2025·Healthcare IT News

Athenahealth has migrated all eligible providers on its athenaOne network to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), becoming the first healthcare IT company to implement this framework at scale. This milestone enhances healthcare interoperability, allowing for the seamless transfer of patient information and improving care quality. The company's collaborations, particularly with the CommonWell Health Alliance, further strengthen its strategy by facilitating secure access to comprehensive medical records for both providers and patients. This development addresses critical concerns of physician burnout by streamlining access to patient data, ultimately improving the healthcare experience.

Jul 27, 2025·Fortune

Top Trump administration health officials are set to announce a new initiative designed to enhance healthcare data sharing interoperability at the White House. Led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, the plan aims to address barriers in patient data sharing through collaboration with tech companies, including Clear, known for identity verification. This effort follows public consultations on improving data access and emphasizes goals like better patient outcomes, reduced provider burdens, and increased innovation through partnership. The initiative signifies a critical push towards creating a more efficient and personalized healthcare system, highlighting the essential role of technology in transforming healthcare delivery.

Jun 30, 2025·Newswire

A recent report by MIT Technology Review Insights, sponsored by Roche, reveals that 96% of healthcare executives are ready to adopt digital health solutions, reflecting a strong commitment to integrating technologies like AI diagnostics and telemedicine to enhance patient care. However, the report highlights interoperability as a major obstacle, with 91% of executives recognizing the complexity and fragmentation of health data, which impedes the scalability of these solutions. Despite these challenges, many executives remain optimistic about addressing interoperability issues to fully harness health data's potential. Additionally, the report underscores the role of digital tools in supporting healthcare professionals, particularly amid workforce shortages, emphasizing the need for these technologies to complement rather than burden existing systems.

Jun 12, 2025·Healthcare IT News

MetroHealth, an Ohio health system, has invested heavily in health information technology, such as telemedicine and electronic health records (EHR), but faced challenges in effectively integrating these tools for patients and staff. To address these issues, the organization has developed a virtual-first care strategy, aiming to improve coordination and enhance patient engagement. Among its initiatives, the launch of Ovatient, in partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina, aims to deliver comprehensive virtual care. Additionally, the introduction of the MetroHealth MyCare Anywhere platform, built on the Epic EHR, seeks to further engage patients in their care.

Jun 2, 2025·Epic

Epic Systems has integrated over 1,000 hospitals and 22,000 clinics into the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) through its Epic Nexus platform, marking a significant advancement in U.S. healthcare interoperability. As a Qualified Health Information Network, Epic Nexus facilitates seamless health data exchange across diverse providers, regardless of size or location. This initiative aims to enhance patient care by ensuring timely access to vital health information, thereby improving clinical outcomes and overall healthcare efficiency.

May 29, 2025·Healthcare IT News

Despite advancements in interoperability among medical devices and IT platforms, the adoption of these technologies in healthcare remains slow, according to a Deloitte Center for Health Solutions report. This lag is impeding improvements in patient outcomes, and the study advocates for enhanced collaboration between medical device companies, healthcare providers, and IT vendors to boost integration and adoption. The report emphasizes the necessity for solid evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of new technologies, as healthcare executives encounter challenges related to demonstrating their value, integrating them within existing workflows, and navigating budget limitations. The findings also reveal a disconnect between tech companies' expectations and the reality of providers' challenges, particularly regarding interoperability and workflow issues, which may further inhibit the uptake of connected care technologies.

May 28, 2025·Becker's Hospital Review

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in health systems prioritize the seamless integration of new digital tools with their Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems during evaluations. Technologies such as ambient AI and patient engagement platforms are often approved based on their compatibility with existing EHRs. CIOs from various organizations, including Jordan Ruch of AtlantiCare and Darrell Bodnar of North Country Healthcare, emphasize that adherence to EHR integration standards and minimizing workflow disruptions are key factors in the adoption of new solutions. Furthermore, tools from EHR vendors like Epic are generally preferred to ensure smooth clinical workflows and reduce documentation burdens, as highlighted by Reid Health's CIO Muhammad Siddiqui.

May 11, 2025·Healthcare IT News

Kettering Health Breast Centers encountered inefficiencies in its cancer risk assessment process, primarily due to reliance on a separate tablet-based system that complicated data collection and reporting. To improve this, they proposed integrating risk assessments directly into their health information system, aiming to streamline workflows and standardize care by connecting with the radiology reporting system. This integration would eliminate the need for external devices, automate the inclusion of risk data in mammography reports, and enhance the overall continuity of care, while the collaboration with Epic EHR facilitated a more cohesive approach to assessments by removing the need for patient consent.

Mar 26, 2025·HealthTech Magazine

The integration of electronic health records (EHR) and interoperability in health information systems are essential for enhancing patient experiences in healthcare. Historically, patients have dealt with difficulties stemming from non-adopted technologies, including the need to carry physical medical records, which can lead to incomplete histories and unnecessary tests. Matthew Eisenberg, MD, Associate CMIO at Stanford Health Care, emphasizes that limited access to patient information can impede care quality. Siloed systems exacerbate challenges for healthcare organizations facing workforce shortages and burnout, as highlighted by a survey noting that inefficiencies and lack of automation frustrate users. Streamlining workflows through improved integration can enhance communication, coordination, and financial efficiency, ultimately benefiting both providers and patients.

Mar 10, 2025·Healthcare IT News

Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Florida, is implementing a master data management (MDM) system to enhance collaboration and patient care across its network of hospitals and access points. Chief Digital and Information Officer Aaron Miri highlighted the need for a unified patient identity solution to address inconsistencies in patient data that can lead to subpar experiences and potential provider switches. Partnering with Verato, Baptist Health aims to create a single source of truth for patient identities, which is expected to streamline workflows in referrals, scheduling, and billing, thereby reducing errors and speeding up treatment processes.

Mar 4, 2025·Business Wire

MEDITECH has introduced significant updates to its Traverse Exchange interoperability network to improve clinicians' access to patient health histories across various sources. These enhancements aim to streamline workflows by integrating patient data shared among MEDITECH hospitals and other sites within the TEFCA framework. By leveraging modern technologies like FHIR, the network allows healthcare providers to view real-time updates on lab tests, medications, and immunizations, thus eliminating the need for sifting through multiple documents. The updates are set to be rolled out to early adopters soon, with plans for wider implementation and extension to Canadian users later this year.