HIPAA: Leaving voice messages on patients phone

Q: Is it permissible to leave appointment reminders on patients’ answering machines or voice mail if no one answers the phone?

A: Leaving messages containing PHI to remind patients of their appointments is acceptable if your Notice of Privacy Practices notifies them of this practice. However, don’t include any information about a patient’s condition or treatment when leaving these messages because you don’t know whether other household members may listen to them.

An acceptable message would be: “This message is for John Smith. This is XYZ Surgical Center calling to remind you of your appointment at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Please call us at 555/555-5555 if you have any questions. Thank you.”

 

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