Interoperability describes the extent to which systems and devices can exchange data, and interpret that shared data. For systems to be interoperable, they must be able to exchange data and subsequently present that data so it is understood by users.
Interoperability is important because without it, health information would be “siloed” or potentially walled off from being usable and meaningful to providers and patients. In an era where improved coordinated care is becoming more important, interoperability will play a leading role. For more on interoperability, see the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT’s website.