In the US, elective surgical procedures like the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) are in high demand. However, this demand is equally met with increased patient mortality rates.
Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to help improve patient safety measures, care coordination, and educational outreach.
BBL mortality
“In surgical circles, the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is known as the deadliest aesthetic procedure ever performed, and despite several calls to improve outcomes, recent data suggest mortality is only getting worse,” states MedPage Today’s report on why BBLs are so deadly.
The death rates associated with the procedure are usually caused by complications like fatal pulmonary fat embolisms, “despite numerous practice advisories geared towards patient safety and reducing the incidence of fatal pulmonary fat emboli,” says a survey investigating whether plastic surgeons adjusting their surgical practice to promote safety.
Why are BBL-related deaths so high?
According to the survey, there are several reasons for high BBL mortality rates including:
- High-volume budget clinics.
- A lack of regulations imposed on individual surgeons by boards of medicine.
- Not using ultrasound (77%) with most citing that it is “unnecessary with adequate surgeon experience (45%).”
These findings suggest gaps in safety practices and ineffective communication around new guidelines “partially [due to] unsuccessful educational outreach for risk-reducing practices and training for ultrasound.”
How HIPAA compliant emails can improve patient safety
Confidential case reviews
HIPAA compliant emails, like Paubox, use advanced encryption measures, access controls, and audit trails to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI) during transmission and at rest. These security methods help mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to PHI and associated HIPAA violations.
So, plastic surgeons can use HIPAA compliant emails to conduct confidential peer reviews and discuss cases without violating patient privacy. These surgeons can share insights into past cases and advise others on the best techniques for reducing patient risks.
Sending standardized information
Medical boards can securely email timely alerts and updates on new surgical regulations and monitor compliance to further strengthen accountability among plastic surgeons.
These emails can include evidence-based guidelines on safety practices and update board-certified plastic surgeons with current information. Moreover, it gives high-risk surgeons urgent information in real-time, encouraging them to adjust their safety practices and uphold standardized practices among various states and clinics.
Improved educational outreach
HIPAA compliant emails can include educational resources, like studies showing the benefits of using ultrasound technology to prevent BBL complications. Additionally, plastic surgeons can share secure links to reputable sources that will enhance the credibility of the information provided in the emails.
FAQs
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.
What is PHI?
PHI stands for protected health information, which includes any information that can identify a patient and is related to their health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare.
Can providers email patients for follow-up care?
Yes, providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to communicate with patients, give them follow-up instructions, and address potential questions.
Read also: Using emails and texts for follow-ups during post-discharge care
