What term describes the ability of different information systems and devices to securely exchange and use data across organizational boundaries?

• A. Electronic Health Records
• B. HIPAA
• C. Interoperability
• D. Remote Monitoring

Answer: (C)

Interoperability is the ability for different information systems and devices to securely exchange and use data across organizational boundaries. In healthcare, this means systems from different providers, labs, imaging centers, and devices can not only send information to each other but also understand and act on it within clinical workflows. It involves both the technical side (common data formats and interfaces) and the semantic side (shared meaning so the receiving system can interpret the data correctly), plus secure transmission and privacy protections.

Electronic Health Records describe a digital record of a patient’s information, not the capability to exchange data across organizations. HIPAA is the privacy and security rule that governs how patient information is protected, not the act of data sharing itself. Remote Monitoring refers to collecting health data from a patient remotely, which is one application area, but it does not capture the broader concept of cross-organizational data exchange and use.