What the Quest for Data Quality is Really About

In this episode of Quality Matters, health IT veteran and standards-editor John D’Amore joins host Andy Reynolds to unpack the deeper purpose behind the push to improve data quality. Drawing on decades of experience, from startups and academic research to national standards and consulting, John explains why the real goal isn’t just clean data or seamless interoperability. It’s better care, delivered more efficiently. Listen to this episode to discover: Interoperability is a Tool, Not the Goal: John compares interoperability to a power drill—valuable only when it helps achieve better care outcomes. Economic Incentives and Bipartisan Momentum: Learn why following the money reveals the true levers of change. From value-based purchasing to performance bonuses, John shows how economic feedback loops accelerate improvements in data quality. Good Pipes, Bad Water: Explore the disconnect between robust data pipelines and poor data flowing through them. John breaks down why measuring the quality of data is essential for progress. Why Quality Measurement is the Real Catalyst: John argues that quality measurement, not interoperability, is what drives meaningful change. Discover how improving data quality can yield long-term benefits across the health care ecosystem, far beyond quality improvement. This episode is essential listening for health IT leaders, quality professionals and policy makers who want to understand the deeper purpose behind the quest for data quality and how it’s shaping the future of care. Key Quote: We don't really want interoperability for its own sake. Free flow of information if it's never used by the destinations isn't useful. It doesn't improve care. It doesn't bring down costs. When you go to Home Depot or Lowe's and buy a power drill, what are you really trying to buy? You want holes in the wall. Interoperability is the tool or the power drill that delivers the holes that we want, and the holes are better, more efficient care that reduces costs. I mean, can we envision a future where health care costs go down year over year? It sounds almost impossible. It sounds like a fantasy land. I think that's going to be within reach within the next 20 years. -John D’Amore Time Stamps: (03:21) Interoperability's Incentives, Means and Ends (06:42) Good Pipes, Bad Water (09:38) Next-Generation Data Validation (12:06) Correcting Myths and Misconceptions (14:17) Quality Drives Interoperability, Not Vice Versa Dive Deeper: NCQA’s Improving HEDIS Data Quality in a Digital World NCQA’s Data Aggregator Validation HEDIS Compliance Audit Connect with John D’Amore