Providers must use HIPAA compliant emails to send timely interventions and reduce healthcare errors, resulting in more effective patient-centered care.
Why patient outcomes matter
According to an NLM publication on measuring chronic care delivery with patient experiences and clinical performance notes, “Improving care integration processes and communication between healthcare providers and their patients may lead to improved clinical outcomes.”
Improved patient outcomes lead to better quality of life for patients, greater satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs. Therefore, healthcare providers must improve treatment, prevention, chronic disease management, and patient engagement to achieve a better quality of life for patients, greater satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs.
Patient communication and federal law
In the US, these communications are bound by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). So, providers must use a HIPAA compliant solution, like Paubox email, to improve patient communication and uphold federal regulations.
Improve patient outcomes with HIPAA compliant emails
Timely interventions
HIPAA compliant emails send information in real-time, allowing healthcare teams to securely exchange patient information for rapid interventions. Like when a cardiologist receives a patient’s lab results via secure email, they can quickly adjust their treatment plan before a condition worsens.
Reducing medical errors
Communication breakdowns are a leading cause of medical errors, like incorrect diagnoses or medication mistakes. HIPAA compliant emails can help address this issue by sharing accurate information among healthcare teams.
For example, a primary care physician can securely email a specialist with detailed notes about a patient’s history and symptoms. Sending these notes can help reduce the chances of misinterpretation, leading to safer and more effective care.
Supporting patient-centered care
Studies show that clear communication improves the patient-provider relationship, leading to better health outcomes. HIPAA compliant emails facilitate this communication, allowing providers to address every facet of the patient's healthcare.
For example, if a patient is diagnosed with diabetes, their endocrinologist, dietitian, and therapist can coordinate and share insights about the patient’s progress, leading to more personalized treatment plans.
Facilitating care coordination
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) describes care coordination as “deliberately organizing patient care activities and sharing information among all participants concerned with a patient’s care to achieve safer and more effective care.”
HIPAA compliant emails support this using secure communication between providers. Whether sharing test results with a specialist or updating a patient’s care team about new developments, these emails give everyone involved the information they need to provide the best possible care.
Engaging patients
HIPAA compliant emails also allow direct communication with patients, empowering them to actively manage their health. Providers can securely send educational materials, appointment reminders, and updates about test results.
For example, a patient with substance use disorder can get regular updates about their treatment plan, promoting better adherence and greater confidence in their healthcare.
The financial impact of better outcomes
Improved patient outcomes also lead to cost savings for the healthcare system. Effective communication and coordination reduce the likelihood of hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and preventable complications that contribute to rising care costs.
More specifically, HIPAA compliant emails allow providers to coordinate post-discharge follow-ups, ongoing chronic disease management, and homecare transitions. These ultimately enhance patient outcomes and make healthcare more sustainable.
Go deeper: How HIPAA compliant emails reduce healthcare costs
FAQs
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards for protecting the privacy and security of certain health information, known as protected health information (PHI).
HIPAA is designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information and to ensure that healthcare providers and insurers can securely exchange electronic health information.
How does encryption help HIPAA compliance?
Encryption converts the content of the email into a form that is only accessible to the authorized recipient and not any other person or system. It prevents unauthorized access, upholding HIPAA regulations.
Do providers need patient consent for HIPAA compliant emails?
Yes, a provider must get explicit patient consent before sharing their PHI through HIPAA compliant emails.
Learn more: A HIPAA consent form template that's easy to share
