The document discusses privacy and confidentiality issues that can arise from electronic communication and accessing medical records, including accidentally sending emails to the wrong person or leaving a computer unlocked. It provides solutions such as double checking emails before sending, automatic log offs, and not sharing passwords. Safety concerns are raised about patients contacting doctors via email for emergencies or waiting for a reply instead of seeking immediate care. Precautions include clearly defining appropriate electronic correspondence, advising patients to visit in person for certain issues, and double checking records before responding. The company recommendations are training staff on privacy policies, holding monthly training, limiting medical record access, and auditing access frequently.

1. Confindetiality
By Mike Jackson

2. Privacy Issues
• Possibly sending e-mail to wrong person
• Accidentally leaving computer open
• Unintended access to medical records

3. Solutions
• Double checking all e-mails before sending
• Timed log-off on all computers inactive
• Not sharing passwords with other staff

4. Safety Concerns
• Patient contacting physician via e-mail for
emergency situations
• Patient waiting on e-mail reply before acting
• Physician giving instructions to wrong patient

5. Precautions
• Physician clearly communicating what
electronic correspondence is to be used for
• Physician stressing patient to visit clinic or
emergency room for specific issues
• Physician double checking patient records
before responding

6. Company Recommendations
• Training all new staff on policies and
procedures to protect patient privacy
• Monthly in-services to ensure policies and
procedures are being followed
• Only allowing limited access to medical
records
• Frequent audits to determine what
information is being accessed and by who