You should minimize the private health information in all appointment reminders, particularly with regards to health information which is especially sensitive. For example, rather than saying that a reminder is from “Gynecology Associates”, you should say that it is from “Dr. Smith.” Consider not including the name of your patient in reminders, if this makes sense for your patient population.
Do not include information about diagnoses or treatment plans in reminders. While Appointment Reminder is very accurate with regards to getting messages to the specified numbers/addresses, it is nonetheless possible that unauthorized parties will be able to view/hear your reminder. For example, work voicemail systems may be accessible by other employees, mobile phones may be lost or stolen, or email may be intercepted. If you wouldn’t be comfortable broadcasting the message on the loudspeaker at Macy’s, give the patient the minimum information required to jog their memory. You can tell them the detailed information in person.