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Why connected health records are essential for patients, practices and providers
By Ronald P. Snyder, OD, FAAO
August 25, 2026
Having worked extensively in both professional and commercial optometric practice environments, I developed a unique perspective on the clinical, operational and business challenges facing today’s eyecare providers.
Since retiring from active practice, I have devoted my efforts to evaluating the future of eyecare, with particular emphasis on interoperability (in other words, connecting the systems that allow patient data to move across providers and platforms), co-management, data analytics and the evolving role of AI-driven technologies to improve both patient outcomes and practice efficiency.
THE REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
One of the most significant operational and regulatory transitions currently affecting healthcare delivery, particularly within eyecare, involves interoperability, information blocking compliance and coordinated co-management of patients across multiple providers and organizations.
Under the interoperability initiatives established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the information blocking provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act, healthcare providers are increasingly expected to securely exchange patient information across organizational boundaries using nationally recognized interoperability networks and standards.
NATIONWIDE INTEROPERABILITY NETWORKS
Carequality is one of the leading nationwide interoperability frameworks in the U.S. Its purpose is to enable different electronic health record (EHR) systems and health information networks to securely exchange patient data, even when they operate on different vendors and technologies. The network currently facilitates the exchange of more than 1.5 billion healthcare documents each month. Other major interoperability networks include CommonWell Health Alliance, eHealth Exchange and TEFCA.
These interoperability frameworks support transitions of care, the secure sharing of standardized patient records (C-CDA document exchange), laboratory result sharing, medication reconciliation and cross-provider patient record access. In short, they allow healthcare providers, hospitals, laboratories, specialists and EHR systems to securely exchange patient information electronically and more efficiently than ever before.
These changes are expected to profoundly influence referrals, provider relationships, specialty care management and the overall patient experience. As you begin exchanging health information electronically with other healthcare providers, you will establish new professional relationships built on timely communication and collaboration. Referring providers are more likely to entrust patients to clinicians who consistently share relevant clinical information, coordinate care effectively and keep them informed of patient outcomes. This enhanced level of interoperability not only strengthens referral networks but also improves continuity of care, leading to better patient outcomes and a superior patient experience.
THE FRAGMENTATION PROBLEM
Within eyecare specifically, the traditional fragmented model of care is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Specialty services such as glaucoma management, diabetic eyecare, dry eye disease, cataract co-management, retinal disease and myopia management increasingly require continuous collaboration between providers, specialists, diagnostic platforms and primary care physicians. Unfortunately, many existing EHR systems remain poorly equipped to efficiently exchange specialty-specific clinical data within real-world workflows.
These technological gaps create serious regulatory exposure under another major CMS-driven initiative: information blocking compliance. For example, failure to provide patients with timely access to their medical records or failure to appropriately exchange electronic health information may expose providers and organizations to significant regulatory penalties.
In response to these challenges, some organizations are developing specialty-focused interoperability tools designed to support co-management, referral coordination and structured data exchange. One example is Healthcare Registries’ Universal Co-management Platform, which can operate independently or integrate with existing EHRs. The platform securely shares patient information among authorized care-team members and organizes the patient’s longitudinal record across providers and practices, complementing existing workflows and enabling more coordinated care.
Connecting eyecare to the broader healthcare system does far more than satisfy CMS interoperability requirements. Patients deserve seamless access to their health information, and healthcare providers need timely, accurate clinical data to deliver safe, coordinated and effective care. Eliminating these barriers improves communication among providers, reduces administrative burden and clinician burnout, protects practices from regulatory penalties and transforms a fragmented healthcare experience into a connected, patient-centered system. When information flows freely, everyone benefits.
Read more on software solutions/EHR here.
Read more on co-management here.
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Ronald P. Snyder, OD, FAAO, is the president and CEO of Healthcare Registries, LLC. To contact him: RonSnyder@HealthCareRegistries.com |
