HIPAA Alert: Secure Emailing of Patient Information

HIPAA Security Rules require us to transmit patient information electronically in a secure manner. 

Please follow these guidelines to ensure you don’t violate those rules:

• Provide only the minimum information necessary. Is it necessary to include the patient’s DOB, SSN, MRN, room number, diagnosis, etc.? If not, then don’t include it. 

• Emails sent within the Methodist Health System network (@nmhs.org) are secure. Emails sent outside the MHS network are not and must be encrypted.

• To encrypt an email with patient information, type ZIXIT into the subject line.  This protects the information when it leaves our system. 

More Information

If you have questions about the secure transmission of patient information via email, call MHS IT Security Administrator Kevin Watkins at (402) 354-2168.