What is a significant risk of using email for transmitting PHI?

Using email for transmitting protected health information (PHI) poses a significant risk primarily because emails can be intercepted by unauthorized parties. When PHI is sent through email, it can travel over various networks, where it may be exposed to interception. Unlike secure direct communication methods, email is often not encrypted by default, leading to vulnerabilities during transmission.

Unauthorized individuals with access to the network can potentially capture these emails, gaining access to sensitive health information of patients. This interception can occur through a variety of means, such as hacking, phishing attacks, or even accidental forwarding to the wrong recipient. Hence, the risk associated with using email to transmit PHI lies in the possibility of that information being accessed by those who should not have it, violating privacy regulations such as HIPAA.

In contrast, while email can be securely encrypted, this is not the default and does not eliminate all risks. The belief that email is always safe or that there is no risk in using it for communication does not account for these vulnerabilities, which is why identifying the risk of unauthorized interception is critical for safeguarding PHI.