North Florida Women’s Physicians is
pleased to present our patients with the ability to use e-mail to
contact us. E-mail is a wonderful technology which has many potential
benefits to increase the speed and efficiency with which we can
communicate. There are, however, some risks and limitations also
associated with this technology. While we will do everything in our
power to minimize these risks it is important that you realize your
exposure whenever you send an e-mail to anyone.
The following is a partial list of risks
which are inherent any time you use e-mail, but you should be especially
aware of and take into consideration when determining whether to
communicate with your physician using this technology.
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Employers and on-line services have a
right to archive and inspect e-mails transmitted through their
systems.
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E-mails can be intercepted, altered,
forwarded, or used without authorization or detection
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E-mail can be used to introduce viruses
into computer systems
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Backup copies of e-mail may exist on
your computer even after you have deleted your copy
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E-mail senders can easily misaddress an
e-mail
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E-mail senders can accidentally
broadcast their message and be received by many intended and
unintended recipients
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E-mail can be circulated, forwarded, and
stored in numerous paper and electronic files
North Florida Women’s Physicians will use
reasonable means to protect the security and confidentiality of e-mail
information sent and received. However, because of the risks outlined
above, NFWP cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality of e-mail
communication, and will not be liable for improper disclosure of
confidential information that is not caused by our intentional
misconduct. Thus, patients must consent to the use of e-mail for
patient information. Consent to the use of e-mail includes agreement
with the following conditions:
All e-mails to or from patients concerning
diagnosis or treatment will be printed out and made part of the
patient’s medical record. Because they are a part of the medical
record, other individuals authorized to access the medical record, such
as staff and billing personnel, will have access to those e-mails.
NFWP may forward e-mails internally to our
staff and agents as necessary for diagnosis, treatment, reimbursement,
and other handling. NFWP will not, however, forward e-mails to
independent third parties without you prior consent, except as
authorized or required by law, including the Health Information
Portability and Accessibility Act.
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Although we will try to read and respond
promptly to an e-mail from the patient, we cannot guarantee that any
particular e-mail will be read and responded to within any particular
period of time. Therefore, it is important that you not use e-mail
for medical emergencies or other time-sensitive matters.
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If your e-mail requires or invites a
response from NFWP, and you have not received a response within a
reasonable time period, it is your responsibility to follow up to
determine whether the intended recipient received the e-mail and when
the recipient will respond.
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You should not use an e-mail for
communication regarding sensitive medical information, such as
information regarding sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS/HIV, mental
health, developmental disability, or substance abuse.
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You are responsible for protecting your
password or other means of access to e-mail. NFWP is not liable for
breaches of confidentiality causes by you or any third party
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It is your responsibility to follow up
and/or schedule an appointment if warranted
Please acknowledge your understanding and acceptance of our e-mail
policy by checking the I ACCEPT box below.
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