Creating an interoperable health care system that would allow the use and exchange of information to providers and consumers across different care settings has become essential. This was the main focus in “The Quest for Interoperability in Healthcare” article. In order for the U.S. to get on board the National Coordinator for Health IT, came up with a Nationwide Interoperability Roadmap for providers. The Coordinator claimed that the quality of care, cost and access would be impacted positively. Molly McCarthy, the author explained that in all of her roles within the healthcare industry interoperability was always a problem that had to be faced. In addition nurses, physicians and patients all have to deal with this same reoccurring problem. The article also goes in depth about how medical devices and information technology are critical to a patients monitoring and care. Clinicians with interoperable devices within their facility have a higher quality of care due to enhanced up to date information at their fingertips. Secure access to this information technology is not only available to the clinicians and medical personnel but also to patients. They can easily access this information through their smart phones and conveniently review treatment plans and medication etc. In addition better clinical decision are made resulting in better outcomes and a decrease of healthcare spending. Interoperable technology is an innovation that is vital to transforming the present and future of healthcare facilities. The article states that ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT) is accepting any criticism that the public might have on the draft of the Interoperability Roadmap. This ten-year plan to interoperability is a hard one but is a key element for improving quality care, cost and access to
