What is the purpose of the Health Information Organization (HIO)?

The Health Information Organization (HIO) primarily exists to oversee and facilitate the exchange of health information among different healthcare entities. Its main goal is to improve the quality and continuity of care by ensuring that health information can be shared securely and efficiently across various systems and organizations. This ability to exchange information effectively can result in better patient outcomes as healthcare providers have access to comprehensive patient data, which can lead to informed decision-making.

Moreover, HIOs play a crucial role in supporting interoperability, which is essential in today's healthcare environment where patients may receive care from multiple providers or facilities. By managing how health information is exchanged, HIOs enable better communication between these providers, ultimately enhancing the coordination of care and reducing the chances of medical errors.

While the other options touch upon aspects of healthcare, such as clinical guidelines, marketing strategies, and patient follow-up, none of these focus on the fundamental role of an HIO, which is centered on health information exchange.