The growing public interest in Ozempic use for weight loss compels healthcare providers to use HIPAA compliant emails to give patients evidence-based resources that address misconceptions and improve health outcomes.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic, otherwise known by its generic name semaglutide, is a prescription medication used for controlling type 2 diabetes and, more recently, as a weight-loss aid.
While using Ozempic can benefit some, improper use can lead to adverse effects. Endocrinologist Samir Malkani, MD, professor of medicine at UMass Chan Medical School points out, “There are some people who respond beautifully to these drugs, they lose 15 percent of their body weight. But there are some people who don’t.”
Public awareness and patient outcomes
According to a Google Trends analysis of public interest in using Ozempic for cosmetic weight loss, there is “a significant and growing public interest in Ozempic and related [drugs].”
The study also urges providers to increase patients’ understanding of Ozempic treatment to “help deliver the safest possible patient outcomes.”
How HIPAA compliant emails can improve patient understanding
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires providers to safeguard patients' protected health information (PHI) when discussing their medical treatment.
HIPAA compliant email solutions, like Paubox, allow providers to address patient concerns about their Ozempic treatment without compromising their data privacy and security.
For instance, if a patient has concerns that using Ozempic can cause pancreatitis, providers can securely email them, explaining how this rarely occurs and is usually resolved when stopping the medication.
HIPAA compliant emails can include infographics, scientific studies, and patient success stories, giving patients direct access to reliable information.
Furthermore, patients can respond to these emails, facilitating an open dialogue that promotes patient-centered communication and better health outcomes.
Promoting accurate health information
The previous study also shows how social media and celebrity influencers have popularized using Ozempic for weight loss. However, social media platforms often perpetuate health misinformation, distorting patients’ access to accurate health information, worsening their health outcomes, and widening health disparities.
Instead, providers who use HIPAA compliant emails are more likely to increase patient trust. Providers can personalize email content with health information that addresses specific patient needs, like medication reminders, tips for managing chronic conditions, or resources for healthy lifestyle changes.
Ultimately, giving patients reliable health information directly from their healthcare team for safer and more effective care.
Go deeper: Improving patient outcomes through care coordination in emails
FAQs
Who does HIPAA apply to?
HIPAA applies to healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, as well as their business associates who handle protected health information (PHI).
What are HIPAA compliant emails?
HIPAA compliant emailing platforms, like Paubox, use encryption and other security measures, like access controls, to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI) from data breaches.
Should emails about Ozempic treatment be HIPAA compliant?
Yes, HIPAA requires securing all communication related to medical treatment. Providers must use a HIPAA compliant platform like Paubox when discussing Ozempic treatment to safeguard patients' protected health information (PHI) and maintain patient privacy.
