News & Knowledge Georgia Handbook: Electronic Communication and Documentation IS IT SAFE TO COMMUNICATE WITH PATIENTS BY EMAIL? Electronic communication has its advantages. Messages can be sent and received instantaneously. Email is inexpensive to use and creates a permanent record of the communication. Many practices are now using email to communicate with their patients. However, the use of email carries some risks and liability concerns that should not be ignored. As discussed herein, email must be HIPAA compliant. Electronic communication must never replace the face-to-face contact of the physician-patient relationship. The preferred route for all electronic communication is through a secure patient portal. If electronic communication occurs outside of the patient portal, the least risky way to utilize email… Are you a Curi member? The full content of this resource is available only to Curi members. Contact us if you are a member but do not have an account yet, or to learn more about becoming a Curi member. Sign in to see full post Curi’s risk mitigation resources and guidance are offered for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not medical or legal advice, does not replace independent professional judgment, does not constitute an endorsement of any kind, should not be deemed authoritative, and does not establish a standard of care in clinical settings or in courts of law. If you need legal advice, you should consult your independent/corporate counsel. We have found that using risk mitigation efforts can reduce malpractice risk; however, we do not make any guarantees that following these risk recommendations will prevent a complaint, claim, or suit from occurring, or mitigate the outcome(s) associated with any of them. READ NEXT November 16, 2023Electronic Communication & Social Media | Forms & Templates | Policy Templates Policy: Social Media Acknowledgement Read more March 11, 2021February 24, 2023Compliance & Regulatory | Electronic Communication & Social Media | Medical Records | Patient Management 21st Century Cures Act: Frequently Asked Questions Read more September 11, 2020February 24, 2023Electronic Communication & Social Media | Medical Records | Patient Management Florida Handbook: Electronic Communication and Documentation DOES THE PRIVACY RULE PERMIT ME TO COMMUNICATE WITH PATIENTS USING ELECTRONIC (EMAIL)? The HIPAA Privacy Rule allows covered entities to communicate electronically, provided they use… Read more