Providers with electronic health records can join health information exchanges (HIEs), which could connect hospitals, doctors and other providers. Simply stated, HIEs allow health-related information in electronic health records (EHRs) to move among organizations according to nationally recognized standards. This could mean that your cardiologist could get your health records from your primary care physician electronically, for example. Or if you are travelling and have a medical emergency, the treating physician might be able to access your records via computer.
Imagine that you are sick while on vacation in another state and you need medical care immediately. Your doctor can send your medical file to another physician or to the emergency department so that the treating physician will be able to access your health information in a timely manner, securely and completely.
Health Information Exchange