What is the primary purpose of health information exchange?

The primary purpose of health information exchange is to support the electronic exchange of health information. This is crucial in the healthcare landscape as it allows for seamless sharing of patient data among various healthcare providers, which enhances the continuity of care. By facilitating this exchange, healthcare professionals can access complete and accurate patient information, leading to better decision-making, improved patient safety, and overall enhanced quality of care.

Furthermore, effective health information exchange can help reduce unnecessary tests and procedures by ensuring that providers have access to a patient's complete medical history. This approach ultimately results in more coordinated care and can significantly improve health outcomes for patients, as critical information is readily available during care delivery.