What You Should Know:
– Epic Systems announced a development that will empower patients to have greater control over their health information, CNBC first reports. Patients will soon be able to directly share their health data with various apps of their choice, marking a significant step forward in data interoperability.
– This new capability is made possible through the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), a federal initiative aimed at facilitating secure and seamless health data exchange across the healthcare ecosystem. Epic, as a qualified health information network (QHIN), has been instrumental in developing and implementing TEFCA.
Addressing Data Silos and Empowering Interoperability
By enabling patients to share their health data directly with preferred apps, Epic is addressing a long-standing challenge in the healthcare industry: data siloing. This move will enhance patient engagement, improve care coordination, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes. To ensure patient privacy and security, Epic has implemented robust safeguards, including patient education and consent processes.
The company is also working closely with app developers to establish trust and accountability. This development marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of healthcare, as it places patients at the center of their health journey. With greater access to and control over their health information, individuals can make more informed decisions about their care.
