Healthcare is rapidly transforming into a more connected, data-driven, and patient-centered industry. As this evolution accelerates, the backbone of effective interoperability lies in well-established standards that facilitate secure and seamless data exchange across diverse health IT systems. Frameworks such as HL7, FHIR, and TEFCA are essential for enabling this interconnected landscape. Without adherence to these standards, even the most sophisticated electronic health records (EHRs) and practice management tools cannot fully realize their potential.
As regulations evolve and the volume of healthcare data grows exponentially, healthcare organizations must ensure their technology partners are not only compliant but also actively leveraging these standards to support genuine interoperability today—rather than promising it in the future. Achieving true data exchange capability requires understanding and implementing the right frameworks, which are critical for improving care coordination, meeting regulatory demands, and enhancing patient experiences.
Understanding the interoperability standards that matter most
Before exploring the practical implications, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the key standards shaping healthcare data sharing today—ranging from HL7 to TEFCA and beyond. These standards form the foundation for modern health information exchange, supporting a more integrated and efficient healthcare system.
HL7 (Health Level Seven)
HL7 is an internationally recognized organization that develops standards for the exchange, integration, sharing, and retrieval of electronic health information. The most widely used version, HL7 Version 2 (v2), supports core clinical workflows such as patient admissions, discharges, and lab result reporting. Its simplicity has contributed to widespread adoption. In contrast, HL7 v3 introduced more structured and semantically rich messaging, but its complexity has limited its widespread implementation. Understanding these standards is vital for ensuring your systems can communicate effectively across different platforms.
FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources)
FHIR represents HL7’s next-generation standard, designed explicitly for the modern internet age. Built on RESTful APIs and supporting data formats like JSON and XML, FHIR enables developers to create applications that easily integrate with existing EHR systems. Use cases include clinical decision support, patient portals, and population health management. As part of the 21st Century Cures Act, FHIR has become a cornerstone for advancing healthcare interoperability and supporting the push toward more accessible, patient-centered care. For more on how innovative technologies are transforming healthcare, see the role of AI in healthcare delivery.
TEFCA (Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement)
TEFCA is a federally endorsed framework designed to standardize how health information networks share data across the nation. Managed by The Sequoia Project as the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE), TEFCA aims to create a unified, nationwide health information exchange (HIE) ecosystem. This reduces the friction often encountered in data sharing and enhances access to comprehensive patient data, regardless of where care occurs.
USCDI (United States Core Data for Interoperability)
USCDI defines a standardized set of essential health data classes—including vitals, laboratory results, allergies, and care plans—that must be supported by certified health IT systems. Its goal is to ensure consistency, so that regardless of vendor, core patient information can be reliably exchanged. This common data set is fundamental for delivering coordinated, high-quality care across different providers and platforms.
These technical standards are more than just industry jargon—they are the foundation of how healthcare data moves, ensuring that information flows accurately and securely. Understanding their roles is crucial for evaluating whether your health IT infrastructure is built for the modern, interconnected healthcare environment.
Why interoperability standards matter for your healthcare organization
The ability to exchange clinical data seamlessly is no longer optional—it is essential for delivering efficient, high-quality care. Interoperability standards like HL7, FHIR, and TEFCA influence every aspect of healthcare delivery, from care coordination to regulatory compliance and patient engagement.
Interoperability drives care coordination
Patients often move between different providers and care settings, making data mobility critical. If your systems cannot communicate effectively—whether to a hospital, specialist, or national health network—care coordination becomes fragmented, risking delays and errors. Implementing standards like FHIR enables real-time data sharing, supporting smoother transitions and better patient outcomes.
Regulatory pressure is increasing
Regulatory bodies such as the ONC and CMS are mandating support for FHIR APIs and USCDI data elements. Non-compliance can impact reimbursement and participation in key programs. Healthcare organizations must adopt these standards proactively to stay ahead of evolving rules and avoid penalties.
Vendor claims aren’t enough—you need proof
Many vendors may claim to support interoperability standards, but partial or superficial implementation is insufficient. Ask your EHR and practice management vendors critical questions, such as whether they are actively participating in TEFCA, if their FHIR APIs are live and accessible to third-party applications, and whether they support both data extraction and write-back functionalities. Only verified, comprehensive implementation ensures real-world interoperability.
Modern standards enable better patient experiences
FHIR’s capabilities extend beyond data exchange to empower features like smart scheduling, patient portals, and automated record sharing. The TEFCA-mandated Individual Access Services (IAS) standards enable individuals to securely access their health data from multiple providers in one unified interface. Partnering with vendors that fully adopt these standards allows healthcare providers to deliver personalized, engaging experiences for patients.
AI and analytics depend on accessible, structured data
Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms require high-quality, structured data to function effectively. Interoperability standards like HL7 and FHIR facilitate the collection of comprehensive patient information, transforming raw data into actionable insights. For more on how AI enhances healthcare delivery, see how AI supports clinical workflows.
What to do next: A checklist for vendor readiness
Achieving true interoperability requires more than compliance on paper—it demands practical execution. Use this checklist to evaluate whether your healthcare technology partners are prepared to support seamless data exchange:
- Confirm your EHR and practice management systems support FHIR APIs beyond basic capabilities.
- Inquire about their participation in TEFCA initiatives and future plans.
- Verify compliance with current USCDI data requirements, and check their readiness for upcoming updates.
- Review their strategic documentation and interoperability roadmaps.
- Conduct real-world testing for data sharing, application integration, and patient access scenarios.
Real-time, structured healthcare data exchange is no longer optional
The future landscape of healthcare hinges on systems that communicate effortlessly. Standards like HL7, FHIR, TEFCA, and USCDI are no longer just regulatory checkboxes—they are strategic imperatives. Healthcare providers need technology partners who can demonstrate compliance through practical, usable tools that structure data and deliver it precisely where it’s needed—whether at the point of care or in claims processing.
The ability to exchange, access, and act on health data securely and accurately powers the delivery of modern, patient-centered care. If your current systems fall short of these capabilities, it may be time to reassess whether they are truly prepared for the healthcare environment of tomorrow.
To explore how leaders like athenahealth are advancing interoperability efforts, visit their initiatives on TEFCA and data exchange.