Medical Billing Forum
Billing => Billing => : DMK October 29, 2012, 02:24:06 PM
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Once again I've been asked to e-mail a statement or a receipt to a patient.
I will absolutely admit to being a bit anti-technology when it comes to paying bills personally, but the request comes up more and more often as the general public becomes used to paying bills online or by auto debit. Some of our best patients are the WORST at paying their bills (not that they don't have the money, it's just inconvenient to put a check in the mail, or pick up the phone and pay by credit or debit card).
My question is this, if I can't guarantee to safety and accuracy of information going out over e-mail, is it a good idea to e-mail a statement? And honestly, if they don't look at their snail mail, what's to say they won't just delete an e-mail from me?
Technology is a wonderful thing, but it only takes one screw up for me to get a HIPAA fine for sending a patient's information to the wrong place.
And personally, it only takes getting your account cleaned out once for you to never want to pay electronically again!
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You are absolutely right if you can't guarantee safety and privacy of information.
We use an encryption and password application to secure files. Password is only delivered via phone.
I'm sure there are other applications too -- please share, as always looking for updates.
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I also believe that the email would have to be password protected or encrypted to be safe. There are many programs out there but I am not familiar with many. I know that insurance carriers correspond with me thru password protected email programs. I receive an email stating I have a secure message. The first time I have to sign up and create a password.
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Thanks for the input! I will stand firm when patients ask!