What is the purpose of health information exchange?

The purpose of health information exchange is to share health-related information electronically among various healthcare providers and organizations. This electronic exchange facilitates seamless communication about patient data, allowing for better coordination of care, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced efficiency in healthcare delivery.

By sharing information such as medical histories, lab results, and treatment plans, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions and avoid redundant tests. The core objective of health information exchange is to ensure that relevant health data is accessible at the right time and place, ultimately leading to better patient care while also reducing costs associated with unnecessary procedures or delays in treatment.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the fundamental goal of health information exchange. Increasing hospital revenue, improving patient scheduling processes, and securing patient records physically are important aspects of healthcare management but do not directly relate to the primary aim of exchanging health information instantaneously and electronically for improved patient care.