What is a key function of health information exchange (HIE)?

A key function of health information exchange (HIE) is facilitating secure sharing of health information. HIE enables different healthcare entities, such as hospitals, physicians, and laboratories, to securely exchange patient data electronically. This interoperability fosters coordinated care, enhances the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and improves patient outcomes by ensuring that healthcare providers have access to complete and accurate patient information when they need it.

By focusing on secure sharing, HIE mitigates issues related to information silos, where patient data is locked within one system, making it challenging for various providers to collaborate effectively. This connectivity is crucial in facilitating timely access to critical health information, such as medical history, lab results, and medication lists, which can significantly enhance the quality of care and reduce the risk of medical errors.

Other options presented may not align with the primary goal of HIE. While cost-reduction in healthcare services can be an indirect benefit resulting from improved efficiencies, it is not the central function of HIE. Increasing unnecessary tests directly contradicts the purpose of HIE, which is to provide relevant patient information to reduce redundancy. Lastly, limiting patient access to providers is not a desirable outcome of HIE; rather, HIE aims to improve the accessibility of health data, thereby enhancing patient