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How to send an encrypted email to a patient or client

For medical, dental and counseling offices, and anyone sending sensitive files.

Lockbin guide · Updated November 3, 2026

Short answer

Write the message in Lockbin and send it to the patient's normal email address. They get a notice, open the message in their browser over an encrypted connection, and can reply securely, whatever email provider they use. The message and attachments stay encrypted on Lockbin instead of sitting in their mailbox.

The problem with sending from your regular email

Even if your own email provider protects stored mail, the moment a message leaves for a patient on another provider, how it travels and how it's stored depends on their side. A lab result attached to an ordinary email ends up as a copy in the patient's mailbox for as long as they keep it.

How it works with Lockbin

  1. Sign in to Lockbin and write your message. Attach files if you need to: lab results, X-rays, statements or forms.
  2. Send it to the patient's usual email address. Keep their name and health details out of the subject line, since subject lines aren't encrypted at the message level.
  3. The patient receives a notice, clicks the link, and reads the message in their browser. There's nothing to download.
  4. They can reply securely and attach files from the same page. You see when the message was opened, from what IP address, and get a delivery receipt.

Why offices choose Lockbin

  • Works with any recipient. Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Outlook or a work address: the patient reads it the same way.
  • Encrypted where it's stored. Message bodies and attachments are encrypted with AES-256, each message with its own key.
  • Undo Send. Sent the wrong file? Premium lets you recall a message before the recipient opens it.
  • Retention you control. Set read or unread messages to delete automatically on your schedule.
  • A signed BAA. Included on Premium and Enterprise, signed in your dashboard.
  • Keep your email. No need to move your office's mailboxes. Use Lockbin for the sensitive messages.

Premium is $10 a month. Get started.

Questions

Can I send an encrypted email to a patient who uses Gmail or Yahoo?

Yes. Lockbin sends the patient a notice at any email address, and they read the encrypted message in their browser without installing anything.

Does the patient need a password or account?

No account is needed to read a Lockbin message or reply to it. Lockbin also offers password-protected messages if you want an extra step.

Can patients reply securely?

Yes. Recipients can reply and attach files securely from the same page they read the message on.

Is it HIPAA compliant?

Yes, on Lockbin Premium and Enterprise, which include a signed HIPAA Business Associate Agreement and encrypt messages at rest and in transit.

Get started, $10 a month

Or start free with 10 secure emails and one document request. Questions? Email support@lockbin.com.

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