What is Health Information Exchange (HIE)?

Health Information Exchange or HIE is the secure electronic sharing of patient data between different healthcare providers and organizations (labs, hospitals, public health) to improve care coordination, patient safety, efficiency, and outcomes. HIEs support interoperability so healthcare organizations can seamlessly access, exchange, integrate and cooperatively use health data to provide complete, accurate coordinated care.

What should organizations consider before joining a Health Information Exchange?

Before joining a Health Information Exchange, ensure the EHR/EMR can integrate and translate the HIE's data standards, implement proper patient consent forms (opt-in/opt-out), verify HIPAA compliance and robust security measures, establish Business Associate Agreements with the HIE, review and update cybersecurity policies, and provide comprehensive staff training on HIE rules and workflow integration.

What patient consent is required for Health Information Exchange?

Proper consent forms must be signed by patients (opt-in/opt-out) with their full understanding of who sees their medical data and how it will be shared through Health Information Exchange. Organizations should include information in waiting areas or lobbies so patients can become more educated on HIE and make informed decisions about participation.

What security measures are required for Health Information Exchange?

Health Information Exchange requires verification of HIPAA compliance along with robust security measures including security login features and least privileged access. Organizations must review and update cybersecurity policies and procedures, ensure cyber insurance coverage is appropriate, establish Business Associate Agreements with HIEs, and conduct complete vetting of the HIE company to understand potential risks.

What training is needed for Health Information Exchange users?

Staff training requires all users of the Health Information Exchange to be educated in HIE rules and how to use the system to support and enhance workflow. Training should be role-specific and cover technical functionality, privacy rules, appropriate use policies, and workflow integration to ensure effective HIE implementation.

Healthcare cyber attacks - HIPAA security and data protection

HIPAA Tip: Health Information Exchange

January 27, 2026

Health Information Exchange or HIE is the secure electronic sharing of patient data between different healthcare providers and organizations (labs, hospitals, public health) to improve care coordination, patient safety, efficiency (redundant tests and costs), and outcomes. HIEs support interoperability so healthcare organizations can seamlessly access, exchange, integrate and cooperatively use health data to provide complete, accurate coordinated care improving patient outcomes.

What to consider prior to joining a HIE:

Ensure the EHR/EMR being used in the organization can integrate and translate the HIE’s data standards. Assess how the HIE fits into current processes and whether it will in fact increase efficiency.
Proper consent forms signed by patients (opt-in/opt-out), with their full understanding of who sees their medical data and how it will be shared. Consider including information in your waiting area/lobby so patients can become more educated on HIE.
Verify HIPAA compliance along with robust security measures (security login features, least privileged access). Review and update cybersecurity policies and procedures: cyber insurance may need to be revised, BAAs must be in place with HIEs and a complete understanding of the potential risks in utilizing a HIE (vetting the company first).
Staff training requires all using the HIE to be educated in the HIE rules and how to use the system to support and enhance workflow.

Some of the top EHR vendors included in HIE organizations are Epic, Oracle and Allscripts. Noted HIE vendors include eHealth Exchange, CommonWell Health Alliance, Optum and Health Catalyst.

Compliance Is Ongoing

HIPAA compliance isn’t a one-time checklist. It’s ongoing, programmatic in nature, and requires demonstrated reasonable diligence to stay in good standing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Anatomy IT can provide you peace of mind with our expert HIPAA compliance services. To learn more, contact us here.

About the Author: Dawn Meglino
HIPAA Compliance Specialist, CHPSE, CCSA, CCAP

Dawn Meglino is a certified HIPAA Compliance Specialist at Anatomy IT helping healthcare organizations navigate complex security and compliance requirements. She holds multiple cybersecurity and compliance certifications and regularly advises medical practices on breach prevention and HIPAA best practices.