What should the NOPP inform patients about regarding email communications?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of informing patients about the risks associated with transmitting protected health information (PHI) via email. This is essential because email, as a medium of communication, may not always be secure. Patients should be made aware that while email is convenient, it can potentially expose sensitive information to unauthorized access if proper security measures are not in place.

Understanding these risks enables patients to make informed decisions about how they wish to communicate regarding their health information. This aspect of the Notice of Privacy Practices ensures that individuals are aware of the implications of their choices, thus fostering more secure communication practices.

The other options do not address the core security concerns relevant to email communication of PHI. Factors like the cost of email communications, access to email accounts, and response times are important in their own right but do not carry the same weight of privacy risk awareness directly associated with transmitting sensitive health information. Therefore, focusing on the risks of sending PHI via email is pivotal in protecting patient privacy.