Last month, ONC released its 2023 Report to Congress: Update on the Access, Exchange, and Use of Electronic Health Information through Trusted Networks.
The report outlines the evolving landscape of health information technology and the continued push toward a more connected, interoperable healthcare system. Despite it being April 1st, this report is anything but a joke—focusing on substantial progress in digital health.
With electronic health records (EHRs) now a staple in most clinical settings, the emphasis has shifted from adoption to enhancing how data is exchanged and used. The report highlights major achievements, persistent challenges, and future priorities in our journey toward seamless health information sharing.
Bringing Health Networks Together
While digital health systems have expanded, ensuring different platforms communicate effectively remains a work in progress. One of the report’s key focuses is on the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA)—a national initiative designed to make sharing health data across networks more straightforward and standardized. TEFCA aims to create a single, cohesive environment where hospitals, providers, insurers, and even individuals can securely access the information they need.
Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) Go Live
A significant milestone in this effort occurred in December 2023, when the first Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) began exchanging data under TEFCA. More networks followed in February 2024, marking a significant step toward building a truly nationwide health information exchange. These networks are expected to simplify access to patient records across different health systems, supporting better care coordination and improving overall efficiency in health data management.
Standardizing Health Data Exchange
Interoperability is not just about connecting systems—it’s about ensuring the data exchanged is useful and consistent. The report underscores the importance of using standardized data formats and modern health IT infrastructure, such as FHIR® APIs and the United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI). These standards help streamline how information flows across systems, making it easier for health care providers to retrieve and use patient data effectively.
The Road Ahead
The ONC remains focused on broadening TEFCA’s reach, with an emphasis on expanding participation and refining data-sharing processes. Future efforts will prioritize improving patient access to records, strengthening public health reporting, and ensuring that digital health advancements lead to tangible benefits in patient care. The continued implementation of health IT policies from the 21st Century Cures Act will play a crucial role in shaping this next phase.
The 2023 HITECH Report to Congress highlights the progress made in creating a more connected health care ecosystem, while also acknowledging the work still needed to achieve full interoperability. As TEFCA continues to develop, its success will depend on sustained collaboration between government agencies, health IT organizations, and health care providers. If executed effectively, these efforts will pave the way for a more efficient and patient-centered digital health future.
Now, that’s real progress—No Fooling!
