What is Direct Address?

A Direct address is needed to exchange health information using Direct. Because Direct is based off of existing e-mail standards, a Direct address looks very similar to an e-mail address. Like e-mail addresses, Direct addresses can be issued to individuals or to organizations, departments, or specific devices. An example of a Direct address is b.wells@direct.aclinic.org. While this may look and function similar to an e-mail address, it is important to know that a traditional e-mail account (e.g. gmail, yahoo mail, or your company e-mail) are NOT Direct addresses. Messages sent to or from traditional e-mail accounts are not secure and will fail to send via Direct. Just like distinct fax numbers you may have today for each of your office affiliations, you or your colleagues may have a distinct Direct address for each practice affiliation. Be sure to verify that you are sending to the correct address for the location where you intend to send patient information.