Which of the following best describes appropriate professional online conduct for a PA?

• A. Post patient cases online to educate peers.
• B. Do not provide medical advice via public social media; offer general information and invite the patient to schedule a confidential appointment.
• C. Use social media to solicit patients.
• D. Provide tailored medical advice publicly.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining patient privacy and professional boundaries online is essential. The safest and most appropriate approach is to refrain from giving medical advice in public social media. Instead, share general health information and invite individuals to schedule a confidential appointment to discuss their specific concerns. This keeps care patient-centered and ensures any medical advice is based on a proper history, examination, and records in a private setting.

Posting patient cases publicly breaches confidentiality and trust, even if the information is de-identified, because individuals can often be recognized. Using social media to solicit patients crosses professional boundaries and can raise ethical and legal issues. Providing tailored medical advice publicly is risky and inappropriate because it cannot account for an individual’s full history, risks misinterpretation, and may lead to harm if acted on without a proper in-person or telehealth evaluation.

So, offering general information while directing patients to secure, confidential care aligns with professional ethics and protects both patient and clinician.