Healthcare organizations have long struggled to achieve seamless data exchange between providers and health plans, hindering progress in delivering higher quality care. However, innovative partnerships and the adoption of HL7 FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) are proving that significant advancements in interoperability are achievable today—without the need for massive infrastructure overhauls or waiting for regulatory deadlines.

Good news for anyone who has health insurance with a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA or “Blue”) health plan through their employer! In 2024, the BCBSA introduced the Clinical Data Exchange Hub to enhance data sharing among Blue plans, particularly for out-of-area members.  Opala customer in the Pacific Northwest is leading the way as one of the first to connect. 

Portions of this content first appeared in Healthcare Business Today. Read the full, unabridged article by clicking the link.

We all know how important it is to have the right tool for the job you’re doing. Every homeowner has been frustrated by the second (and even third) trip to Home Depot .

If you’re looking to reduce administrative costs, you’re not alone. Inflation, rising staffing expenses, and an aging American population are all contributing to difficult economic conditions.  

It’s the time of year when a lot of us make resolutions. Maybe you want to lose weight, read more, or travel to new places. For us, the new year is a great time to double down on our commitment to improving healthcare by implementing interoperability.

Washington D.C. and Seattle, WA – November 28, 2023 – Banjo Health, a leader in generative AI-powered prior authorization software, and Opala, an interoperability platform for seamless real-time data integration in healthcare, are excited to announce their strategic partnership. This collaboration transforms the prior authorization process, making it more efficient and effective for both providers and payers.

Excellence, Innovation, Integrity & Inclusivity: Opala’s Values

We are pleased to share our company values; an updated reflection on what makes Opala unique and how we navigate our journey as a healthcare interoperability partner. These values will shape our interactions with each other and in the larger health care community.  

We are pleased to share that Opala was recognized as this year’s runner-up in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Inno Madness competition. The competition was designed to recognize some of the most promising startups in the Seattle area and brought together 16 startups to compete in a bracket-style tournament. Over the course of several weeks, readers determined the winners by selecting which of the startups they would rather invest in. 

In January, Opala held its first hack-a-thon. Over four days, twenty-two Opala employees broke into small teams to tackle issues such as identifying patient cohorts for chronic conditions, machine learning using FHIR resources