Policy

Patients are able to obtain advice or information related to their care or appointment reminders by electronic means, where the doctor determines that a face-to-face consultation is unnecessary. Electronic communication includes: email, fax, and SMS.

NOTE: email communication with our practice is not monitored for urgent or emergency medical matters. In the event of a medical emergency, patients must contact emergency services immediately by calling 000. Our practice does not respond to or manage medical emergencies via email under any circumstances.

Practice staff and doctors determine how they communicate electronically with patients, both receiving and sending messages. All significant electronic contact with patients is recorded in the patient health records.

Patients are advised through the Practice Information Sheet the practice policy on electronic communications including:

• Seeking permission or consent from patients

• The possibility for electronic communications and information to be compromised

• Notification of any costs involved

• The frequency of which emails are read by a member of practice staff

When an email message is sent or received in the course of a person's duties, that message is a business communication and therefore constitutes an official record.

Employees should be aware that electronic communications could, depending on the technology, be forwarded, intercepted, printed and stored by others. Electronic mail is the equivalent of a post card. In regards to this, health information given in electronic communications should be limited and discussed in more general terms. Patients should be advised that information may be compromised.

Wherever possible, the practice should ensure secure encryption of emails is taking place.