Six things to consider before accepting images from patients via text or email.
Posted in Articles on Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Patients texting or emailing photos to their providers is becoming a common practice. This can be convenient and efficient, but it's important to establish image use guidelines for yourself, your staff, and your patients. Here are a few basics to consider.
- Get patient consent. Images should not be obtained without specific prior consent. Patients should be asked about and consent to have images taken and stored.
- Non-consent does not affect care. Patients must be explicitly informed that refusing to have an image recorded will not affect their care.
- Get specific consent to share. Consent to share the image should be obtained as a distinct question to the patient. Do not assume that because they provided the image, they consent to you sharing it. Patients must be properly informed of how the image may be shared, the purpose of sharing the image and the intended audience.
- Secure storage. All images must be stored in a safe and regulated environment with controlled access.
- Strive for anonymity. If you share the image, be aware that boxes, dots or shades over eyes do not conceal identities. Recognizable tattoos, scars, birthmarks and piercings should be avoided in the image.
- Remove personal data. Before using an image for educational purposes, all accompanying personal data should be removed.
Ultimately, the goal is good patient care, good communication with patients and ensuring personal information is always safe.