Question

Why are health information exchanges needed? Analyze the benefits of HIEs. (Approximate length: 300-400 words)

Answer 1

Health Information Exchange (HIE) is a method of 'give & take' of patient's data through an electronic platform. More precisely it can be said that HIE provides a window where patient's data is typed by the hospital staff for record maintenance. Health information can be exchanged through regional health information organizations(RIHOs). The main role of HIE is to provide permission to access health records of patients when needed. A successful HIE develops a trust among patient, health care provider and the HIE.

Benefits of HIE : There are several benefits of HIE which is enjoyed by both patients and providers of health information. Let's discuss one by one.

Patients:

1) Payment coordination is easier. It makes simple for the patients to make payments and also easy to remember.

2) Accurate clinical reports. Patients can get more accurate health reports as access to their records is easy and time-saving.

3) Reduces duplicacy or unnecessary tests. Due to the online access of patient's health records, it is easy to maintain records and the possibility of duplicate records will be nil. There will be no unnecessary tests as the desired tests are already entered into the system.

4)Increases Patient Satisfaction. As a result of online record maintenance,patients don't need to bring their hard copy report for their next visit. It can be accessed through online wherever necessary. This makes patient happy and satisfied.

Providers:

1) Reduces healthcare costs. Providers have to bear less healthcare costs as a result of HIE. Everything related to patient's data can be accessed by a single click.

2) Access to important clinical data. Providers can access only the needed data. It is not necessary to go through the entire data. Through data filter option the hospital authority or the doctors can access the required data.

3) It improves the monitoring of patient and disease management. Patients can be easily monitored by online health information management. Also major/minor diseases can be easily diagnosed and observed by the doctors/nurses.

4) It provides the health information provider a good experience. They can enjoy their job by providing prompt information when needed.