At MDToolbox, we focus on providing easy-to-integrate Meaningful Use tools.  We recently expanded our product offerings to include MDToolbox-Direct, a Direct Messaging Module that meets Meaningful Use Stage 2 criteria.  With our flagship product, MDToolbox-Rx, we focus on sending and receiving e-Prescribing messages between providers and pharmacies.  We are excited now to be able to facilitate a different type of messaging - Direct messaging.  So, what exactly is Direct messaging?

What is Direct Messaging?

Direct Messaging is a secure way for healthcare providers and organizations to send clinical messages and exchange Protected Health Information (PHI).  Providers and organizations can send secure electronic messages to each other, including attachments such as Continuity of Care Documents (CCD) files, Referral Documents, images such as X-rays, and other types of medical files.  This eliminates the need for using less secure methods that can put patient data at risk such as faxing, e-mailing, phoning, or standard mail. 

How is Direct Messaging different than email?

Direct messaging sounds very similar to regular email, and generally speaking, it is.  Providers and organizations have a Direct address (just like an email address) that they send and receive messages to/from.  However, there are some very important differences.  Direct messaging requires all users to have a designated Direct address that can send and receive authenticated, encrypted messages.   All messages and attachments sent must meet certain encryption standards that allow only the intended recipient(s) to decrypt and read the messages and attachments.  These standards were developed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) as part of the Direct Project.

What is the Direct Project?

The Direct Project is an open government initiative that was started in 2010.  The purpose of the Direct Project is to create a set of technical standards, protocols, and services for secure, point-to-point electronic healthcare messaging.  The ultimate goal is to create advanced levels of interoperability by having all healthcare systems use the same Direct standards and protocols. This will make it is easy for healthcare providers and organizations to directly exchange information, no matter what software system they are using.  For further information on the Direct Project and the specific technical requirements, check out http://directproject.org/ 

How do I get Direct Messaging?

Organizations called Health Information Services Providers (HISP) provide the Direct addresses to providers and organizations and facilitate the encrypted messaging.  So instead of an email provider like Google or Outlook handling the message exchange, a HISP is responsible for securely routing and encrypting/decrypting the messages.  MDToolbox has partnered with Surescripts, a trusted industry leader, to provide HISP services and our MDToolbox-Direct module can be utilized stand alone for providers and organizations or easily integrated with EHRs and other Health IT systems. To find out more contact us at info@mdtoolbox.com or use our contact page. 

 Stay tuned for more posts in our 5 Part Direct Messaging Blog Series:

1. Direct Messaging 101 (this article)
2. Top 5 Benefits of Direct Messaging
3. Direct Messaging and Meaningful Use Stage 2 – Transition of Care
4. How does Direct Messaging work – Details on how PHI stays secure
5. Direct Messaging and Data Exchange:  What types of files and data can EHRs exchange?