Interoperability Is Accelerating—But We’re Just Getting Started

Fresh from the KLAS K2 Collaborative Summit, one thing is clear: Interoperability is no longer a future goal—it’s happening now. Regulatory momentum and market demand are driving progress across the industry. But to truly transform the patient and member experience, we must move beyond technical integration to real collaboration. 

Across several days of conversations between payers, providers, and health IT leaders, four key themes emerged: 

1. Conversation Comes Before Connection 

Interoperability isn’t just about exchanging data—it’s about building trust. That trust begins with consistent, human dialogue between payers and providers. Shared understanding about needs, capabilities, and priorities lays the groundwork for successful data exchange. 

A striking example is the industry-wide push for electronic prior authorizations (ePA). While some payers and providers are already aligned through platforms like Epic Payer Platform (EPP), this isn’t universal. Even large health plans using EPP with 90% of their provider partners still face gaps with the remaining 10% on non-Epic systems. This challenge underscores a broader point: Effective interoperability strategies must address the full spectrum of relationships, not just the most common ones. 

Not every organization is prepared. Despite ongoing discussion, some may underestimate the complexity and urgency of the 2027 federal deadlines for ePA readiness. Now is the time for more proactive, inclusive conversations that bring all stakeholders to the table. 

Electronic prior authorization is a powerful opportunity to reduce friction in care delivery—but only if we design solutions that work for all stakeholders. The conversation has to go beyond platform compatibility and focus on practical, scalable approaches that bring everyone along.

MIKE PENICH, Senior Vice President, Payer 

2. Fix the Flow Before You Automate 

Automation can be a powerful tool—but only if the underlying workflows are sound. Too often, organizations look to digital tools to solve problems without addressing the root causes of inefficiency. The result? Scaled dysfunction. 

Before adopting new solutions, we need to reexamine our workflows. Are they user-friendly? Do they support the goals of patients, providers, and payers alike? By optimizing first and digitizing second, we create a solid foundation for meaningful automation. 

3. Start With the Problem, Not the Platform 

A common pitfall in health IT is chasing technology without clearly defining the problem. At the summit, leaders reiterated the importance of problem-first thinking: What outcome are we trying to achieve? How will we know if we’ve succeeded? 

Whether it’s improving care coordination, accelerating prior authorizations, or reducing administrative burden, the best solutions are those that fit the problem—not the other way around. 

This mindset is especially critical in payer-provider collaboration, where success depends not only on technical integration but on mutual alignment around goals and measures of success. 

Interoperability isn’t just a technical milestone—it’s a relationship milestone. When payers and providers come together for open, honest conversations, we lay the foundation for care experiences that are not only more coordinated, but more compassionate.

ANDREA CORONA, Managing Director, Care Operations 

4. Scalability Requires Change Management 

Scalability isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a human one. To drive lasting transformation, organizations must invest in change management. That means listening to diverse perspectives, addressing pain points, and supporting people through change. 

Both payers and providers emphasized the importance of culture and leadership in scaling innovation. Technology may enable change, but people make it happen. 

Looking Ahead: From Interoperability to Interactivity 

The industry is making meaningful strides toward interoperability—but that’s not the destination. The real goal is interactivity: a healthcare ecosystem where systems, people, and processes work together fluidly to deliver better experiences and outcomes. 

The KLAS summit made it clear that progress is possible. Even better, it’s already underway. But sustaining that progress will require continued dialogue, shared problem-solving, and a relentless focus on people, not just platforms.