What is the primary goal of health information exchange?

The primary goal of health information exchange is to facilitate the seamless transfer of patient information among healthcare providers. This process is critical for improving the continuum of care because it ensures that healthcare professionals have access to accurate and up-to-date patient information regardless of where care is provided. When patient data is easily shared, it enhances decision-making, reduces the risk of errors, and leads to better patient outcomes. By streamlining the flow of information across different healthcare settings, providers can coordinate care more effectively, enabling them to respond to patients' needs promptly.

While enhancing provider communication may result from effective health information exchange, it is not the core goal. Similarly, reducing healthcare costs may be a secondary benefit, as efficient information sharing can lead to fewer duplicate tests and better resource management, but the main focus remains on the transfer of information. Lastly, limiting patient access to information runs counter to the fundamental principles of health information exchange, which strives to empower patients by ensuring they and their providers can access necessary medical data.