Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Health Information Exchange

Health information exchange (HIE) refers to the electronic sharing of health-related information among healthcare providers and organizations. HIE allows healthcare providers to access a patient’s medical records and other health information from multiple sources, which can help to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare.

HIE can be implemented in a variety of ways, including through the use of electronic health records (EHRs), health information networks, and other technologies. It can be facilitated by healthcare providers, hospitals, and other organizations, or by government agencies or other third parties.

Benefits of HIE include:

Improved patient care: HIE allows healthcare providers to access a patient’s complete medical history, which can help to improve diagnosis and treatment decisions and reduce the risk of errors.

Increased efficiency: HIE can help to reduce the need for redundant tests and procedures, which can save time and resources.

Enhanced population health management: HIE can provide a more comprehensive view of the health of a population, which can help to identify trends and patterns and inform public health interventions.

Overall, HIE is an important aspect of healthcare that can improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of care.