What should not be included in a fax message about a patient?

When sending a fax message about a patient, personal patient identifiers should not be included due to privacy concerns. This practice is guided by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes protocols for protecting sensitive patient information. The inclusion of identifiers such as a patient’s name, Social Security number, or other identifying information can lead to potential breaches of confidentiality and privacy.

In contrast, the general status of care, specific medical conditions, and family health history can typically be communicated as they are often necessary for ongoing care and collaboration among healthcare professionals, provided they do not include any identifiable information that could compromise the patient's privacy. It is crucial for healthcare providers to prioritize confidentiality when communicating patient information, which is why it is essential to exclude personal identifiers from fax messages.