Communications Paper

Communication Paper

Demanesse Humphries

HCS/490 Health Care Consumer

March 11, 2013

Erika Johnson

Abstract

“[Email is] a way to drive new business to practice at times when patients would not otherwise be able to reach the office”. (Rabinowitz, 2011) Over the past decade the use of email and texting has drastically increased. Wal-Mart pharmacy currently has systems that will text a consumer when his/her prescriptions are ready for pickup. Health care depends on the provider’s ability effectively to communicate, diagnose, and give out accurate health care information. This paper can discuss one benefit of email to the patient, aspects relating to the values and importance of maintain confidentiality, and the reason that the mode is effective and how it differs from other modes. Also to be discussed are how social media and networking changed communication in health and how it may be used to market health care products or services.

Communication Paper

Metro West Physicians Services, a physicians practice group in Massachusetts, in June 2011 began using email to make appointments for its patients, the director, Scott Disch said, “It’s a benefit not only for the office but for the patient to be able to access us on a timely basis” (Rabinowitz, 2011). When, providers use email to communicate with patients they have to ensure that they maintain confidentiality, privacy, and protection of health information, which is a concern of consumers. Providers have to balance conflicts of interests to ensure that privacy is maintained while giving patients access detailed information, but it seems to be a challenge for health care organizations.

Providers need to make sure that when communcationing through emails that are encrypted and to make sure other security measures are in place to stay in compliance wth HIPPA regulations. Patients value their privacy and by providers complying with regulations when usng emails communications they will maintain patient...