Use Direct Messaging to Share Patient Information Electronically

Under regulations that went into effect in April 2021, physicians must share patient information with each other electronically upon request. The Texas Medical Association Health Information Technology (HIT) Department cautions that tackling these requirements means physicians must use a HIPPA-compliant way to exchange information. 

One way to do that: direct secure messaging, a low-cost electronic communication method similar to email. Unlike email, it is secure and HIPAA-compliant, and allows physicians to exchange protected health information over the internet. DirectTrust, a nonprofit trade alliance and standards body accredited by the American National Standards Institute, accredits providers of direct secure messaging. 

Direct messaging streamlines the referral and notification by sending and receiving information in a standardized manner electronically within a physician’s workflow.

Using direct messaging to exchange patient information electronically has several benefits. It allows: 

• Secure exchange of patient information when sending or receiving referrals;
• Timely receipt of notifications when a patient has visited the emergency department, or is admitted to or discharged from the hospital; 
• Automatic extraction and integration of patient data from direct messages into the electronic health record (EHR), reducing burdensome data entry; and
• Staff time previously spent scanning and reentering information to be freed up for other work.  

To obtain a direct messaging address, physicians can contact entities accredited by DirectTrust. These entities, also known as health information service providers (HISPs), can be EHR vendors or health information exchanges (HIEs).  

Some HISPs may charge a nominal fee for a direct messaging address. To save money, physicians may start with one address for the entire practice. A person within the office can handle all incoming messages and send them to the appropriate physicians. 

Questions about direct messaging addresses may also be directed to the TMA Knowledge Center by calling (800) 880-7955 or emailing knowledge@texmed.org