Interoperability in care coordination is the ability of different health IT systems to do what?

• A. Store data in a single database only.
• B. Operate independently without sharing data.
• C. Replace clinicians in care decisions.
• D. Exchange and use data; it improves continuity and reduces duplications.

Answer: (D)

Interoperability means different health IT systems can exchange data and, just as importantly, use that data to support patient care. When systems—from hospital EHRs to primary care records and lab platforms—can share up-to-date information, the care team has a complete view of the patient, enabling seamless care across settings. This improves continuity of care as information follows the patient through transitions and care teams can see medications, allergies, and test results in one place. It also reduces duplications by avoiding repeated tests or re‑entry of data. So the focus is on data being exchanged and actively used to coordinate care, not on keeping data in a single database, operating in isolation, or replacing clinicians.