Which of the following is NOT the most common form of health information exchange today?

• A. File Transfer Protocol
• B. Fax
• C. Email
• D. Secure messaging

Answer: (A)

File Transfer Protocol isn’t the go-to method for exchanging health information today because it lacks the built-in security, authentication, and auditability required for handling protected health information. Health data exchange needs encryption in transit and at rest, reliable identity verification, and seamless integration with electronic health records. FTP by itself doesn’t provide these safeguards or the interoperability features healthcare relies on, making it cumbersome and risky for routine HIE. In practice, secure messaging and fax are more common because they align with healthcare workflows, provide accepted security controls, and integrate more readily with clinical systems. Email is used in some settings but carries privacy risks unless it’s properly encrypted.