Get Ministry Health Care Authorization For Disclosure Of Health Information Through Email

Emails including PHI shouldn't be transmitted unless the email is encrypted using a third-party program or encryption with 3DES, AES, or similar algorithms. If the PHI is in the body text, the message must be encrypted. If it's part of an attachment, the attachment can be encrypted instead.

HHS´ guidance states that if an individual provides a health care provider with an email address or initiates a communication by email, consent is implied. However, individuals should be warned of the risks of communicating PHI by email and the warning should be documented.

Can You Send Health Information in an Email? Technically, you can send health information via email, but not without risks. HIPAA does permit healthcare providers to share information about patients through email, but you'll need to take important, critical extra security measures.

E-mail and Texting The HIPAA Privacy Rule permits healthcare providers to use e-mail to discuss health issues and treatment with their patients, provided they apply reasonable safeguards when doing so.

Sending Protected Health Information (PHI) by email exposes the PHI to two risks: The email could be sent to the wrong person, usually because of a typing mistake or selecting the wrong name in an auto-fill list. The email could be captured electronically en route.

Yes, but take care to make sure the email address is correct and the patient has agreed to receive emails containing PHI – even if you encrypt them.

Yes, you can send PHI via email, but you need to verify that your email provider meets specific security protocols before actually sending the PHI. If certain HIPAA regulations aren't met, then you could be looking at a hefty fine.

Essentially, any personal data that is connected to an individual's health condition automatically becomes PHI. This means that a patient's email address could be considered PHI if it is linked to a health condition or treatment.