A Physician's Guide to Using Digital Technology

  Use written informed consent to discuss limits of use, potential risks, and benefits (do not rely on disclaimers)

  Consult guidelines and develop procedures to inform patients of risks, benefits, and safeguards, and get written consent

  Use e-mail to support but not establish the doctor-/patient relationship; be careful about responding to unsolicited e-mail

  Restrict content to brief, straightforward communications; set the bar low for asking the patient to talk by phone or come in for an appointment

  Use encryption (unless waived by the patient) or secure messaging portals wherever possible and password-protect all mobile devices

  Maintain copies in the medical record with patient’s name, medical record number, and date of birth

  Do not use e-mail to treat patients out of state without checking whether you need a medical license to practice in that state

  Remember that HIPAA is the legal standard of confidentiality for all providers