Home Forums Discussions Feedback and Recommendations Changing "Email Patient" to "Secure Message" button - HIPAA compliance

I am on AC since 2009. Strangely enough, I never tried to use "Email Patient" Button to communicate with patients until last night and I discovered that it opens up "Outlook" interface. this is not HIPAA compliant.
On the other hand, we DO have HIPAA compliant "Secure Message" Button in "Summary" Tab.
Is it possible that we replace "Email Patient" button with "Secure Message" button - every where in AC?
This will improve work flow in the office as I can send HIPAA compliant messages to my patients directly from "Msg/Reminder" button.
Waiting to hear from the Board members their opinion.

I would still want the general email button, if we add the other. Some of my patients have requested regular email, or emailed me first - giving permission to communicate that way.

I've heard from other providers that they also email their patients as a preferred means of communication so we would never remove the button unless we were required to do so by Uncle Sam. How you communicate with your patients is your business:-)

And yes..we do plan to add a Secure Message option to that screen as well as the Imported items sign off so you can send lab results with a message to your patients. It's a high priority for next year while we're working on the new MACRA/MIPS release. No promises but I realize how important this is to everyone and if it's at all possible we'll get it done.

Thank you Chris

Oh gosh, now we are going to have to wait again for improvements because of *#%*$ MACRA. We waited almost 10 years for a bunch of important things while AC had to adapt to MU, and then watch it die. Here comes MACRA, and it may be almost time to drop Medicare assignment. I have patients calling every day asking about Medicare, and some want to pay cash. (Can't do it on assignment).