Regarding “Develop a culture of privacy, ONC's Pritts says”:

I agree with the concept of a privacy culture in all medical facilities. I also believe that patients must also develop a culture of privacy.

Nevertheless, I prefer to communicate with my healthcare providers via e-mail and fax. Most providers do not have secure message delivery systems for either.

To protect the healthcare provider, I add the following to the e-mail or fax, sign below and date it:

This fax or email is being sent to you by [MY NAME] a patient of [PROVIDER'S NAME]. It may include information subject to HIPAA laws and regulations. As the patient, I am aware that fax or email is not a secure means of communication and that there is risk that any protected health information that may be contained in this fax or e-mail may be disclosed to or intercepted by unauthorized parties. I am aware that more secure communications, such as U.S. Mail is available. I waive my HIPAA rights that may be violated because of this fax or e-mail. I waive the HIPAA rights that may be violated should this healthcare provider or those working for this healthcare provider respond via voicemail, text or e-mail.

[SIGNATURE] [DATE]

Joe Smith
Las Cruces, N.M.
Assistant College Professor
New Mexico State University
Dona Ana Community College