Providers can use HIPAA compliant email to promote osteoporosis screening and prevention among at-risk patients. Ultimately, this contributes to better health outcomes, reducing the risk of fractures and improving the quality of life for affected patients.
What is osteoporosis?
“Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases or when the structure and strength of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that can increase the risk of fractures (broken bones),” explains the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
“Osteoporosis is the major cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and in older men,” NIAMS adds. Detecting osteoporosis early through screening can help prevent these fractures, improving quality of life.
Recommendations for osteoporosis screening
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends using bone measurement testing to screen women aged 65 years or older for osteoporosis to prevent fractures. They also advise bone measurement testing for postmenopausal women under 65 who are at increased risk of osteoporosis.
Therefore, healthcare providers must identify at-risk individuals and take preventive action through bone density testing, especially in older women.
How HIPAA compliant emails can help promote screening
Patient privacy and security
HIPAA compliant platforms, like Paubox, use encryption and other safeguards to protect emails during transit and storage, meeting the privacy requirements outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
It allows healthcare providers to share information on osteoporosis, like educational materials, recommendations, and test results directly with patients.
Educating patients on osteoporosis
Healthcare providers can use HIPAA compliant email to inform patients about osteoporosis screening and the potential risks of undiagnosed osteoporosis.
Providers can also tailor their communications to individual patients, considering factors like age, medical history, and personal risk levels. For example, emailing women over the age of 65 or those under 65 with known risk factors, explaining the USPSTF’s recommendation for bone measurement testing. For a patient who is newly eligible for screening, the email could explain the test, its purpose, and steps to take, like how to schedule a screening.
For long-term patients with risk factors for osteoporosis, the email could be more detailed, advising patients on how to manage their condition.
Coordinating care with specialists
HIPAA compliant email allows healthcare providers to securely communicate with specialists, like endocrinologists or rheumatologists, promoting coordinated care. For example, a provider securely shares bone density test results with a specialist, who can then advise on managing the patient's osteoporosis and preventing fractures.
Connecting patients with resources
Healthcare providers can share educational materials about osteoporosis, like brochures or fact sheets, to help patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options. These emails can also include secure links to support groups and invitations to educational webinars while safeguarding their health information.
FAQs
What are HIPAA compliant emails?
HIPAA compliant emails are secure emails that use encryption, authentication methods, and access controls to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI).
HIPAA compliant emailing platforms, like Paubox, sign a business associate agreement (BAA), so they are legally obligated to protect PHI shared through their platform.
Can family members be informed about a patient’s treatment via HIPAA compliant email?
Yes, if the patient consents, providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to share relevant information with designated family members.
Can HIPAA compliant emails improve patient satisfaction?
Yes, providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to keep patients informed, improving their overall satisfaction with care.
Read also: How automated HIPAA compliant emails can increase patient satisfaction
