Hi Joe,

I found that reference as well a while back, too so thank you for sharing
it.

I handed that to my PC Dr. and all he could muster was that they use the
patient portal to communicate.

I reiterated that their corporate practice "techies" and HR not versed in
the actual law were forcing the patient portal on people providing a false
sense of security to patnes and the medical offices.

My dentist emails me re: apartments and remin. No patent portal. No
problems.

As for what would anyone want with your ear infection info - use it for
ransomware?

 I'd proffer you'd make for a bad criminal.

Charles.

Charlotte County Public Library


Date:    Wed, 19 Feb 2025 13:14:08 -0500
From:    Joe Hourclé <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: [External] Re: [CODE4LIB] Patient portals

> On Feb 18, 2025, at 4:38 PM, McDonald, Stephen <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> No, they can't because it would violate the law.
>
>                    Steve McDonald
>                    [log in to unmask]

It's possible that there are state laws that are more restrictive, but
HIPPA doesn't totally preclude using email:


https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/570/does-hipaa-permit-health-care-providers-to-use-email-to-discuss-health-issues-with-
patients/index.html