## Summary
The healthcare industry faces challenges due to inefficiencies in data exchange and access between patients, providers, and payers. The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented a rule requiring healthcare systems to ensure seamless data exchange. Establishing a clear interoperability framework is crucial for reducing administrative burden and streamlining processes. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) alongside interoperability has the potential to revolutionize the US healthcare system. IBM offers a comprehensive strategy to guide healthcare clients in driving value through digital transformation.

## Reducing Administrative Burden in Healthcare through AI and Interoperability

Every day, thousands of patients seek medical treatment, creating a web of health records, benefits, and eligibility requirements. Inefficiencies and gaps in data access lead to challenges in delivering cost-effective, quality care within the US healthcare system, contributing to growing waste. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a rule emphasizing the importance of healthcare data interoperability.

With 63% of physicians experiencing burnout and 47% projected to leave their jobs in the next few years, streamlining administrative processes is crucial. The integration of AI and an interoperable healthcare data platform has the potential to transform the healthcare system, enabling real-time interconnectedness.

### Why is data interoperability an imperative?

Healthcare stakeholders can better partner to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care when information exchange is seamless. Realizing the benefits of interoperability requires addressing requirements and standards such as the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR).

### Four levels of maturity in the interoperability implementation

A flexible, modular framework of capabilities is needed to integrate, standardize, and link healthcare data, supporting a range of use cases and new technologies. This includes the implementation of the FHIR standard for exchanging healthcare information.

### Realizing the benefits of interoperability in prior authorization

Interoperability is crucial for transforming prior authorization processes, enabling real-time information exchange between payers and providers. The inconsistency in interoperability standards led to the proliferation of point solutions leveraging AI, which can automate the validation of medical necessity and compliance with clinical guidelines.

### How IBM can help

IBM offers a comprehensive strategy to guide healthcare clients in driving value through digital transformation, leveraging its technology and consulting capabilities.

## FAQ

### What is interoperability in healthcare?
Interoperability in healthcare refers to the ability of different information systems, devices, and applications to connect, communicate, and exchange data. It enables seamless sharing of patient information across various healthcare stakeholders.

### How does AI contribute to reducing administrative burden in healthcare?
AI can automate processes, analyze large volumes of data to identify patterns and insights, streamline administrative tasks, and improve decision-making in healthcare, ultimately reducing administrative burden.

### How can healthcare providers and payers benefit from interoperability?
Interoperability enables healthcare providers and payers to partner effectively, delivering high-quality, cost-effective care while optimizing processes, reducing unnecessary medical spend, and improving member experience scores.

### What are the challenges facing the US healthcare system regarding interoperability?
Inconsistencies in the adoption of interoperability standards, physician burnout, and delays in obtaining approvals for patient care due to administrative complexities are among the challenges facing the US healthcare system in achieving seamless interoperability.

### How can IBM assist in healthcare digital transformation?
IBM offers a comprehensive strategy to guide healthcare clients in driving value through digital transformation, leveraging its technology and consulting capabilities to address the complex challenges in healthcare interoperability and administrative processes.