Can you leave messages for patients at their homes, either on an answering machine or with a family member, to remind them of appointments or to inform them that a prescription is ready?
Yes. The HIPAA Privacy Rule permits Public Health to communicate with patients regarding their health care. This includes communicating with patients at their homes, whether through the mail or by phone or in some other manner. In addition, the Rule does not prohibit Public Health from leaving messages for patients on their answering machines. However, to reasonably safeguard the individual’s privacy, you should take care to limit the amount of information disclosed on the answering machine. For example, you might want to consider leaving only your name and number and other information necessary to confirm an appointment, or ask the individual to call back. You may also leave a message with a family member or other person who answers the phone when the patient is not home. The Privacy Rule permits Public Health to disclose limited information to family members, friends, or other persons regarding an individual’s care, even when the individual is not present. However, you need to use pr
Related Questions
- Does HIPAA allow you to speak with family members or leave messages on an answering machine about patient appointments or health concerns?
- May health care providers leave messages at patients homes or mail reminders to their homes?
- Why does my answering machine play the Outgoing Announcement twice and callers can leave messages?
