Which of the following activities is characteristic of front end eHealth exchange?

The activity that is characteristic of front end eHealth exchange is requesting medical records electronically. This process involves utilizing interoperable health information technology systems that allow healthcare providers to exchange patient information rapidly and securely. Front end eHealth exchange focuses on streamlining communications and data transfer directly related to patient care, which includes electronic requests for medical records.

In the context of front end eHealth exchange, this seamless and efficient access to medical information enhances the coordination of care and improves patient outcomes, as it ensures that healthcare providers have timely access to required data. This is particularly essential in situations that demand quick decision-making for patient treatment.

The other options, such as emailing a physician directly, do not encapsulate the formalized and systematic approach that characterizes front end eHealth exchanges, which are more structured and standardized. Networking without patient involvement lacks the crucial component of direct patient engagement that is key to eHealth initiatives, while building a database of medical information refers more to data management and storage rather than the active exchange of information that defines front end eHealth interactions.