A Physician's Guide to Using Digital Technology
A Physician's Guide to Using Digital Technology
| E-MAIL |
| • 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 |
