Protecting patients’ privacy
It is important to discuss privacy risks associated with telehealth with your patients.
On this page:
Patient discussion tips
Since it is common to talk about sensitive and confidential topics during behavioral health appointments, consider these patient discussion tips:
- Make sure patients understand why and when it is important to have privacy.
- Suggest that patients find a private location for the telehealth session.
- Teach patients how to communicate using email, text, or (if available) your telehealth platform’s chat feature — especially if there might be issues with personal safety.
Before the appointment, ask the patient if they will have an interpreter or caregiver present. Make sure they feel comfortable talking about their mental or behavioral health in front of the other person. Determine if they need to fill out a release of information form.
Tip: Understand the specific legal requirements and privacy concerns when providing care for patients with limited English proficiency and patients with disabilities.
Ways to protect patient privacy
Take extra precautions to protect patient privacy:
- State your name and credentials to start.
- Confirm the patient’s identity at the beginning of each appointment. Ask your patient to verify personal demographic information.
- Ensure that you and your patient are each in a private area where you can speak openly. You can each “scan the room” with your device’s camera at the beginning of a video visit.
- Use headphones so others do not overhear confidential information.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi and use password-protected devices to log on to the telehealth visit.