Healthcare industry expert J.D. Kelly recently asserted that the convergence of established standards and new initiatives has set the stage for "inevitable" seamless and secure healthcare data exchange. In a statement shared on social media by andrew arruda, Kelly highlighted the critical roles of FHIR standards, SMART Health Cards, and the CMS Aligned Network framework.
"With FHIR standards, SMART Health Cards, and now the CMS Aligned Network framework, we have all the pieces we need to solve this puzzle," Kelly stated in the tweet. He added that they are "excited to demonstrate that seamless, secure healthcare data exchange isn't just possible, it's inevitable."
J.D. Kelly is a nationally recognized expert in health information exchange, with extensive experience in digital transformation within the healthcare sector. His background includes strategic roles at organizations such as Edifecs, NaviNet, and the Massachusetts Health Data Consortium. Kelly has consistently advocated for industry-driven interoperability solutions, emphasizing their importance over solely legislative mandates. His insights often focus on the practical implementation of technology to democratize patient care data.
Central to this vision are Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standards, developed by Health Level Seven International (HL7). FHIR provides a modern, flexible framework for exchanging electronic health records, utilizing web-friendly RESTful APIs and discrete data "resources." The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has mandated FHIR version 4 in recent interoperability rules, requiring payers to facilitate data access for patients via third-party applications. This widespread adoption positions FHIR as a foundational element for future data fluidity.
Complementing FHIR are SMART Health Cards, designed to provide individuals with a secure and verifiable method to carry and share their health information. Initially popularized for COVID-19 vaccination and test results, these digital credentials leverage open, interoperable standards, including FHIR. SMART Health Cards empower patients with greater control over their health data, promoting privacy while enabling portable and accessible health records for various settings. Their integration signifies a patient-centric approach to data exchange.
The recently announced CMS Aligned Network initiative further solidifies the path towards integrated data exchange. Expected to launch with pilot programs in early 2025, this framework aims to enhance health equity and person-centered care by improving coordination across healthcare and social support programs. The initiative focuses on developing shared data standards and technology solutions to incentivize integrated care delivery. It builds upon CMS's ongoing commitment to value-based care and broader interoperability efforts.
The combined influence of these three pillars—FHIR's technical backbone, SMART Health Cards' patient empowerment, and the CMS Aligned Network's strategic coordination—creates a robust ecosystem for data exchange. This synergy promises to dismantle traditional data silos, fostering a more connected and efficient healthcare landscape. Industry leaders like Kelly believe this integrated approach will not only streamline operations but also significantly improve patient outcomes and care coordination across the nation.