Pew Calls on Federal Agencies to Improve Health IT Interoperability, Usability

Much of the internet used daily by millions of Americans is powered by tools that allow the transfer and use of data from many sources. Websites display numerous new tweets in real time, applications aggregate personal spending habits and investments, and widgets show the current weather. These tools, called application programming interfaces (APIs), enable easy and prompt access to data through algorithms so that information can be shared and used in creative ways.

A new study finds that consistent use of standards for demographic data would help link patients’ records from various providers, no matter where they seek care. Many of the standards, such as the address format used by the U.S. Postal Service, are already in use in other settings, but not consistently when it comes to matching in health care.