What is the primary purpose of health information exchange (HIE) in healthcare?

The primary purpose of health information exchange (HIE) is to enable the sharing of health information across different healthcare systems. HIE facilitates the seamless exchange of health data among various healthcare entities such as hospitals, laboratories, and primary care physicians. This interoperability allows for comprehensive access to patient information, which can enhance care coordination, improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment, and eliminate redundant testing. When healthcare providers have access to a patient's complete health history, they can make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

While reducing healthcare costs, improving patient record-keeping, and facilitating patient-provider communications are significant benefits of HIE, they are secondary to the primary function of enabling the exchange of information. The effective sharing of health information is what underpins the potential for cost reduction, enhanced record-keeping, and improved communication in the healthcare ecosystem.