What is Direct messaging?
Direct messaging is secure email for exchanging health information—a simple, cost-effective mechanism to transport patients’ protected health information (PHI) to known, trusted recipients over the Internet.
Why should you adopt Direct messaging?
Direct messaging:
- Simply and securely streamlines the exchange of patient information.
- Improves the coordination of patient care and reduces redundant tests and procedures.
- Replaces less secure and less reliable communication methods, including fax machines.
- Enables demonstrations of the electronic exchange of clinical information required for Stage 1 Meaningful Use.
Learn more.
How does Direct messaging work?
Direct messaging services are provided by Health Information Service Providers (HISPs) and typically include a Web-based email account. To send a Direct message, you login to the email account, compose the message, and attach all relevant clinical information. The information can be anything—a Continuity of Care Document (CCD) exported from an electronic health record (EHR), a summary of care record, exam notes, diagnostic images, etc. You then click “send” to transmit the patient data securely to another Direct messaging user. Learn more.
What is the Rhode Island Trust Community?
The Rhode Island Quality Institute has established the Rhode Island Trust Community (RITC)—a community of verified RI providers who have a legitimate need to use Direct messaging. Membership in the RITC is free; streamlines contacts management, and provides an extra layer of confidence for Direct users. Learn more.
What is the Direct Adoption Program?
The RI Regional Extension Center’s (RI REC’s) Direct Adoption Program helps providers and practices adopt Direct Messaging by offering educational materials and webinars; a selection of qualified HISPs in an online Vendor Marketplace and free membership in the Rhode Island Quality Institute’s RI Trust Community.
How can you get started with Direct?
To get started with Direct Messaging, download Getting Started with Direct.
To learn more about Direct and RI REC’s Direct Adoption Program, please watch our Direct video. You may also contact us at 888-924-4156 or at directprogram@riqi.org.