What is Direct Messaging?

Direct messaging is an easy-to-use, fast and secure electronic communication service for clinical providers and others who regularly transmit and/or receive patient protected health information (PHI). Direct looks and operates like email, but with security features such as point-to-point encryption and electronic security certificates.

Direct is not a brand name or a company, Direct is a transmission standard developed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and is one of the requirements in the federal Meaningful Use program.