A: Privacy on social media is always a huge challenge. In some ways, it is very easy to avoid this: Don’t share any information that you want to keep private and don’t share patient stories without their permission. It sounds silly, but much of this is common sense. Most social media sites have a ‘two-step verification’ process, which prevents unauthorized access to your accounts. I would strongly suggest setting this up for every platform you use.
To reiterate, you need to use common sense. What would you share at a dinner party? Would you stand up and blurt out personal information?
Q: You are a social media expert, NOT an expert on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). But given its privacy rules, what’s your advice for how to avoid the risk of over-sharing?
A: Social media is people talking to people, just in a different medium. Observe laws and common sense, just like if you were in a doctor’s lobby—a full doctor’s lobby.
[Editor’s note: As with any other forum, don’t share patients’ personal, protected health information via social media without their written consent. Make sure to contact your designated privacy officer or your attorney if you have any questions about what you can share.]
Q: What do you to say if a patient asks for medical advice through social media?
A: Advise them that you cannot answer confidential questions online, then direct them to a phone number or website to schedule an appointment. I would also suggest that physicians refrain from sharing any details of their patients’ medical problems openly, because anyone can see them and it could be embarrassing or cause them problems some other time.
Q: What are a few specific suggestions of valuable content rheumatology practices could post?
A: Videos featuring some practical at-home remedies for common problems are always very helpful [for patients]. If possible, video testimonials are amazing. I say ‘if possible’ because you don’t want to run afoul of regulations. For example, Johns Hopkins Medicine has done an excellent job of engaging with their patients on social media while remaining in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Critically, they have social media guidelines clearly available for their employees to see.
Richard Quinn is a freelance writer in New Jersey.
Editor’s note: Get social with the ACR! Visit the ACR’s social media page for more information and check out our social media guide for more tips.
