What is an important aspect of coordinated care in Integrated Health Systems?

An important aspect of coordinated care in Integrated Health Systems is that health information is shared among providers. This sharing of health information is crucial for ensuring that all members of a patient's care team have access to complete and accurate data about the patient’s health history, treatment plans, and outcomes. This coordination improves communication across different providers, reduces the risk of medical errors, enhances the quality of care, eliminates redundancies in tests and treatments, and allows for more personalized care based on a comprehensive view of the patient’s health.

In contrast, working independently by providers can lead to fragmented care, where essential information may not be communicated effectively. Centralizing all patient interactions would not inherently improve care coordination unless it also involves comprehensive communication and cooperation among providers. Furthermore, a lack of follow-up care would negate the benefits of coordinated care, which aims to maintain continuity and provide supportive care throughout a patient’s health journey. Thus, sharing health information is integral to the purpose and effectiveness of integrated health systems.