Recently, there have been several concerns surrounding a contraceptive known as Depo-Provera. Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to educate patients about its potential side effects while maintaining the privacy and security of their health information.
Depo-Provera is one of the most widely used injectable contraceptives in the United States. It offers convenience and long-lasting effectiveness, making it a popular choice among women seeking birth control. However, recent litigation has raised concerns about a possible link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas (a type of brain tumor).
Attorney Ronald Miller from Maryland Injury Law Center reports on Depo-Provera Lawsuits, “The size of the potential plaintiff field in the Depo-Provera brain tumor litigation could be very big. According to the FDA, around 1/4 of all sexually active women in the U.S. have taken Depo-Provera at some point. That means that well over 25 million women in the U.S. have gotten the birth control shot.”
“Even if we assume that only a small fraction of these women will be diagnosed with meningiomas (let’s say 0.5%), that would still yield a potential [patient] field of 125,000.”
These figures show that we must improve proactive patient education. Moreover, healthcare providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to inform patients about potential risks and advise them to seek medical advice when needed.
HIPAA compliant email platforms, like Paubox, secure the exchange of protected health information (PHI). These platforms 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).
So, healthcare providers can communicate directly with patients, reducing risks of data breaches while enhancing transparency.
Healthcare providers can use HIPAA compliant email to notify patients about emerging concerns related to Depo-Provera. For instance, a gynecology clinic could send a secure email to patients who have received Depo-Provera, explaining the potential risks associated with meningiomas.
The email can include:
HIPAA compliant emails also allow personalized communication, so providers can tailor messages based on the patient’s risk factors or treatment timeline.
For example, recently prescribed patients could receive educational emails about warning signs and monitoring recommendations. On the other hand, long-term users can receive guidance on the next steps, including whether they should consult a neurologist.
Ultimately, these personalized emails give patients access to relevant and actionable information.
Patients diagnosed with meningiomas or concerned about their risks often require collaborative care involving gynecologists, neurologists, and other specialists. HIPAA compliant email facilitates secure communication between providers, keeping all care team members informed of the patient’s needs.
For example, a neurologist treating a former Depo-Provera user could securely share test results with the patient’s gynecologist for more coordinated and effective care planning.
Healthcare providers can also use HIPAA compliant emails to connect patients with additional resources. Examples can include:
Furthermore, HIPAA compliant email allows providers to share updates or educational materials with authorized caregivers, helping them advocate for the patient and manage their health.
Read also: Using email and text messaging in health advocacy
HIPAA compliant emails contribute to health literacy via personalized and actionable health information sent directly to patients' inboxes, helping patients make informed decisions about their health.
Yes, HIPAA compliant emails are secure because they use encryption and other security measures to protect patients' protected health information (PHI) from unauthorized access or disclosure.
Additionally, using platforms like Paubox enhances email security throughout the email transmission process and at rest, safeguarding patient data from potential threats or breaches.
Yes, healthcare providers must obtain patients' consent before sending HIPAA compliant emails. Additionally, providers must document this consent in their medical records.
Go deeper: How to get consent for texting and emailing patients