What is the primary function of health information exchange (HIE)?

The primary function of health information exchange (HIE) is to share healthcare information across organizations to improve care coordination and quality. This capability is crucial for enhancing communication among various healthcare providers, ensuring that they have access to the complete and accurate patient information necessary to make informed decisions regarding individual patient care. By facilitating the exchange of health data, HIE enables a more seamless continuum of care, reduces the potential for medical errors, and ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes.

In addition to its essential role in care coordination, HIE supports the concept of integrated care models, where multiple providers can work together effectively by sharing pertinent health information. This collaboration can also help streamline processes and enhance efficiency within the healthcare system.

While other options might involve aspects of healthcare management, they do not capture the central purpose of HIE, which is fundamentally focused on the exchange of health information to optimize patient care and ensure that providers can coordinate treatment effectively.