What is the appropriate approach to transmitting patient information electronically to protect confidentiality?

• A. Avoid electronic transmission entirely.
• B. Use non-secure email to transmit information.
• C. Use a secure electronic channel or portal to share information with an authorized recipient.
• D. Print and mail copies to the recipient.

Answer: (C)

Protecting patient confidentiality when sharing information electronically means using a secure, authenticated channel that only authorized recipients can access and that protects data in transit and at rest. A secure electronic channel or patient portal provides encryption, requires proper login, and tracks who accesses the information, creating an audit trail. This approach minimizes the risk of interception, tampering, or accidental exposure and aligns with privacy standards and applicable laws.

Avoiding electronic transmission entirely isn’t practical for timely care. Non-secure email can be intercepted or exposed on multiple devices. Printing and mailing copies introduces delays, risks of loss or misdelivery, and often lacks encryption or proper access controls.