Protected Health Information (PHI) is a crucial aspect of the health care industry. It is not only a legal requirement but also an ethical obligation that must be upheld to provide quality health care. Unauthorized disclosures of PHI can result in serious consequences for both patients and health care providers under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Therefore, it is essential to incorporate these practices into your daily routine to safeguard patient privacy at UT Health San Antonio.
When dealing with paper records containing PHI, it is important to verify that you are handing the document to the correct patient by confirming their name and date of birth. Similarly, when sending PHI via fax, double-check the accuracy of the recipient’s fax number and include a cover sheet with a confidentiality disclaimer, including only the minimum necessary PHI. When sending an email containing PHI, always confirm the recipient’s email address, include only the necessary PHI, and consider using encryption in the subject line if the recipient is external. Finally, when mailing a document with PHI, ensure the accuracy of the patient’s mailing address on the envelope and verify that the document belongs to the correct patient before sending it.
To learn more about safeguards for Protected Health Information, visit IHOP 11.1.15. It is crucial to follow these practices diligently to maintain patient privacy and security in healthcare settings.