Providers must use HIPAA compliant emails to improve healthcare accessibility and help people with intellectual disabilities receive the care they need.
Intellectual disabilities and telemedicine
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines intellectual disabilities as “neurodevelopmental conditions that affect functioning in two areas:
- Cognitive functioning, [like] learning, problem-solving and judgment.
- Adaptive functioning, activities of daily life such as communication skills and social participation.”
Research on telemedicine treatment and care for patients with intellectual disability shows that these patients “encounter barriers [like linguistic, cognitive or sensory barriers] make it difficult for them to fully use telemedicine.”
However, the research also states that “these barriers can be overcome with appropriate support and adaptation,” from technological advances and caregiver support.
More specifically, technological advances, like HIPAA compliant emails:
- “Support communication… with the doctor,
- Enable simple behavioral interventions,
- Stimulate cooperation in treatment,
- Provide simple medical education,
- Record medical data for the doctor.”
Additionally, HIPAA compliant emails use advanced security measures, like encryption, access controls, and authentication methods to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI).
Supporting communication with doctors
People with intellectual disabilities often face barriers in accessing healthcare, including communication challenges. So, providers can use HIPAA compliant emails for direct communication between patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.
Patients and their caregivers can schedule appointments, discuss health concerns, and get personalized medical advice between face-to-face interactions, making healthcare more accessible and convenient for patients with intellectual disabilities.
Enabling simple behavioral interventions
According to the previous study, “people with intellectual disabilities often also suffer from comorbidities [like] diabetes, kidney diseases, respiratory diseases, obesity, etc.”
Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails for behavioral interventions to help improve these comorbidities.
For example, a provider can send a diabetic patient with mild intellectual disabilities daily reminders to check their blood glucose levels and follow their dietary plan, making it easier to manage their condition effectively.
Stimulating cooperation in treatment
HIPAA compliant emails allow providers, patients, and caregivers to share treatment plans and feedback while maintaining patient privacy. These emails ensure everyone involved in the patient’s care is on the same page to enhance the overall quality of care.
For example, if a patient needs a coordinated care plan to manage obesity, their dietitian, physical therapist, and primary care physician can use HIPAA compliant emails to collaborate on the patient's progress and treatment plan.
Providing simple medical education
Providers can tailor HIPAA compliant emails according to patients’ intellectual capabilities, giving them access to personalized educational materials. These emails can include simple explanations of their comorbidities, medication instructions, and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Furthermore, HIPAA compliant emails can include instructional videos, like ‘how to use an inhaler’, empowering patients and caregivers to make informed health decisions.
Recording medical data for doctors
HIPAA compliant platforms, like Paubox, automatically record email communications so providers can review patient data and adjust treatment plans as needed.
For example, a caregiver can email a doctor with daily blood pressure readings, allowing the doctor to monitor the patient’s condition and make timely adjustments to their treatment.
Furthermore, these records can be used for legal documentation in disputes, ensuring transparency in healthcare practices.
FAQs
What types of information are protected under HIPAA?
HIPAA protects all individually identifiable health information held or transmitted by covered entities or their business associates.
Can patients with intellectual disabilities use HIPAA compliant emails?
Yes, people with intellectual disabilities can use HIPAA compliant email. Still, they might need additional support from providers and caregivers to ensure accessibility and usability.
Can providers email patients with physical disabilities?
Yes, HIPAA compliant emails can be tailored to accommodate different needs and abilities, using features like screen readers and alternative text to ensure accessibility for patients with physical disabilities.
Read also: Email for mental healthcare access in people with disabilities
