1. RISKS OF USING E-MAIL AND TEXT MESSAGING
We offer patients/parents/legal guardians the opportunity to communicate by e-mail or text messaging. Using e-mail to discuss patient information, however, is different than phone messaging. Text messaging is not to be used to convey medical information or to discuss medical conditions. E-mail and/or text message communication has a number of possible risks that patients/parents/legal guardians should consider before using e-mail or text messaging. If the patient/parent/legal guardian is worried about any information being seen by other people, or if the question or problem is urgent, then other form(s) of communication such as telephone communication should be used. Some of the possible risks of using e-mail or text messaging include, but are not limited to, the following:
E-mail information or text messages can be sent on to other people, stored on a computer, or printed out on paper for storage.
E-mail or text messages can be sent out and received by many recipients, some or all of whom may be sent the e-mail accidently.
E-mail or text message information is easier to change than handwritten or signed documents.
E-mail or text message information may be kept on computers/electronic devices even after the sender or the recipient believes they deleted his or her copy.
E-mail/text messages can occasionally be intercepted, changed, forwarded, or used without authorization or detection.
E-mail or text messages can be used to introduce viruses into computer systems.
E-mail or text messages can be used as evidence in court.
CONDITIONS FOR THE USE OF E-MAIL AND TEXT MESSAGING
The health care providers will use reasonable means to protect the security and confidentiality of e-mail/text message information sent and received. However, because of the risks outlined above, the health care providers cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality (privacy) of e-mail/text messaging communication, and will not be liable for improper use and/or disclosure of confidential information (including Protected Health Information (PHI) that is the subject of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)). Thus, the patient/parent/legal guardian must consent to the use of e-mail for patient information. Consent to the use of e-mail/text messaging includes agreement with the following Conditions:
Text messages are used by health care providers for appointment reminders or to share more generic information. When text messages are sent by a patient/parent/legal guardian there should not be an expectation of a response from the health care provider.
The health care provider or his/her practice cannot engage in e-mail or text message communication that is unlawful, such as practicing medicine across state lines.
PATIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT
I acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the information the health care provider and/or practice has provided me regarding the risks of using e-mail or text messaging. I understand the risks associated with the communication of e-mail or text messages between the health care provider and/or practice and me, and consent to the Conditions outlined. In addition, I agree to the above instructions, as well as any other instructions that the health care provider and/or practice may impose regarding e-mail or text message communications.
