One of the three foundational security requirements is availability-the ability to access data when you really need it. Data accessibility is considered sound security practice and is a requirement per the HIPAA Security Rule (45 CFR 164.306[a][1]). If a data storage device fails, you can lose access to your patients' or health plan members' PHI. This could adversely affect patient care and service to health plan members.
Q Can a mental health and alcohol and chemical dependency treatment health center e-mail and text PHI between healthcare providers and between field caseworkers and patients? We have implemented a secure messaging solution, but it is the organization's policy to prohibit sending PHI via e-mail or text.
Most case managers have had a spat with a physician at one time or another.
Maybe a physician discharged a patient who may not have been clinically ready for discharge, or perhaps a physician disagreed with a case manager about the proper level of care for a particular patient.
Earlier last decade, when patients came into the ED at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, DE, they were difficult to track. In 2004, Christiana served about 90,000 patients per year. It was a busy place. Patients were bustled from their rooms to testing locations and back again.
