HIPAA Tip:
Using Reminder Postcards
[Posted 12/05/02]

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HIPAA does not preclude the use of appointment reminder postcards. The postcard, however, should contain no more information than time and date of appointment and the physician’s name and contact number. A better practice would be to use a letter and envelope, particularly when the fact of the appointment might cause the patient some concern with disclosure (such as an appointment with an oncologist or an obstetrician). In either case, your practice of sending such reminders should be included in your Notice of Privacy Practices.

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Contact: CMA’s legal information specialists, 415/882-5144 or legalinfo@cmanet.org.

Previous HIPAA Tips:

HIPAA Tip: Extension Does Not Apply to Privacy Rule

HIPAA Tip: Inpatient/Outpatient Privacy Notice Requirements Differ

HIPAA Tip: The Extension Deadline Has Passed—Now What?