Are the Texting and Email Systems Used by DPCs HIPAA Compliant and Encrypted?

Most Direct Primary Care (DPC) practices use secure texting or email platforms that are designed to meet HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy and security standards.

However, the exact level of security can vary by practice:

• Many DPCs use encrypted messaging systems or secure email portals to protect sensitive health information.
• Some use standard texting or email but rely on patient consent to communicate this way, since patients can choose to receive information through less secure channels if they’re comfortable with it.
• DPCs typically avoid including highly sensitive medical details in regular emails or texts unless the system is encrypted.

If you’re concerned, you can always ask your DPC:

• What platform they use for texting and email
• Whether it’s encrypted
• Whether you can opt into a more secure communication method if preferred

In practice, most DPCs balance security with ease of communication, aiming to keep care personal and responsive while protecting patient privacy.