How to send an SMS Text Message?
To send a text message
Click on SMS tab
Click on the pencil icon under SMS
Enter the phone number next to the To: (at the top of the screen)
Enter your message
Click on the arrow to send the message.
REMEMBER: Never send PHI via text message!!
What is PHI?
Protected health information (PHI) is any information in the medical record or designated record set that can be used to identify an individual and that was created, used, or disclosed in the course of providing a health care service such as diagnosis or treatment.
PHI includes:
Member names
Mailing addresses, zip codes, & geographical identifiers
Dates related to the individual (such as DOB)
Phone numbers
Fax numbers
Email addresses
Social Security numbers
Medical record numbers
Health insurance beneficiary numbers
Account numbers
Vehicle identifiers & license plate numbers
Certificate & license numbers
Device identifiers & serial numbers
Website URLs
IP addresses
Biometric identifiers, fingerprints, retinal, & voiceprints
Facial images & recognition
Any other unique identifying characteristic
Text Messaging and HIPAA Compliance
While text messaging has become an essential tool for healthcare communication, it also presents unique challenges when it comes to HIPAA compliance.
Texting can be HIPAA compliant when done with the proper controls. To ensure HIPAA-compliant texting, businesses must use a secure SMS platform and ensure necessary administrative, physical, and technical safeguards are in place.
HIPAA protects all individually identifiable health information. According to HHS, this includes data relating to:
An individual’s past, present, or future health condition
The provision of healthcare to an individual
The payment for the provision of healthcare to an individual
Any of this health-related data is protected; especially when that data is linked to a personal identifier.
Examples of texts you may send
Reminders about their upcoming or current appointment
"Hey! This is your Foodsmart dietitian, Kate--I'm looking forward to seeing you today at 2PM CT!"
Coordination of scheduling/rescheduling if needed:
"I have 3PM on 5/1 available; how does that work?"
Reminders about how to access their future visits:
"You can schedule more visits by logging into foodsmart.com"
Sending instructions on how to join the appointment:
"You should have received an email with a button you can press to join the video appointment"
Examples of texts you may NOT send
Anything that mentions the condition or specific nutrition/health concerns of the member:
"How are your blood glucose readings this week?" "Remember to keep your salt intake low to help your hypertension"
Answering health-related questions that the member sends back to you--anything related to the content of the visit should be covered only during the visit. If this happens, let them know that you're happy to discuss at your next visit
“Good question! Even though you have diabetes, it’s still okay to eat moderate amounts of carbohydrates”
Check-in questions about health:
"I wanted to follow up after your surgery, how is everything going?"
Sharing test results or asking for test results
“What’s your most recent a1c?”
Email IT@foodmart.com if you are having any issues.