Suggested guidelines for e-mail
transmission of medical data

1. Always keep in mind that the information you transmit
may be intercepted and used adversely to the interests
of the patient, the physicians(s) or the hospital.

2. Transmit only data that is relevant and material
to the issue. Don't gossip.

3. To the greatest extent practical,
Identify the patient by circumstantial data,
e.g.  "Mr. A. B., the 76 year-old diabetic in bed 5,
whose congestive heart failure we discussed
last week."

4. Do not transmit discharge summaries, case reports or operative notes.

5. Do not cite social security numbers or birth dates.

6. Recipients of messages should always confirm to the
e-mail message by giving the patient's full name without
clinical information.