Final answer:
Lack of standardized data formats is a key barrier to health information exchange, making it difficult to share digital records efficiently among health care providers. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is A. Lack of standardized data formats. This is a common barrier to health information exchange (HIE) users because inconsistencies in data formats can complicate the sharing of digital records among health care providers.
With standardized data formats, health care professionals could more easily and efficiently exchange patient information, which is critical for improving the quality of health care and can potentially reduce costs. However, the option of efficient data sharing, adequate security measures, and well-defined data dictionaries all support the HIE by facilitating better communication and data protection.