Physicians who use it today are pioneers with only the compass of common sense to guide them. No case law lights the path toward universal policies. Confidentiality is a legitimate concern too, but no more so than it is for fax and telephone communications, according to Ford. Certainly, email is more confidential. Patients feel the benefits far outweigh the concerns.
Encryption minimizes some risks but is a double-edged sword.
Although it keeps emails secure, it requires a Web forms-based email system, which may not be practical for small clinics that don't want to own a Web domain name, host a Web site, and buy or rent a secure server and the technical support to go with it. Clinics may instead want to focus on effective policies and tools for using regular email. All medical centers have broad policies for sending information in writing, by phone or by fax. Patient email also should be part of those policies. Currently physicians use email to perform routine tasks, like adjust prescriptions and schedules, and give general medical advice.