What is a primary benefit of interoperability in care coordination?

• A. Improved continuity of care and reduced data duplications.
• B. Increased data silos and duplication of effort.
• C. Higher costs with no outcome improvements.
• D. Slower access to patient information.

Answer: (A)

Interoperability in care coordination means different health IT systems can exchange and interpret patient information across settings. The main benefit is improved continuity of care and reduced data duplications. When systems share real-time data, clinicians see a complete, up-to-date view of a patient’s history, medications, labs, and allergies, which supports safer transitions and coordinated decisions. This reduces unnecessary testing and conflicting information, saves time, and lowers the risk of errors.

Without interoperability, data tend to stay in silos and get duplicated, and workflows can become less efficient. Conversely, interoperable systems also help avoid higher costs with no benefit and eliminate slow access to information, since data are available where and when needed.