Can You Fax Medical Records?

Yes, using a secure fax service is the best option for healthcare professionals to exchange sensitive information. By using a HIPAA compliant online fax service like Fax.Plus, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists can send and receive patient information without risking data breaches. This secure method meets HIPAA regulations and safeguards electronically protected health information (ePHI).

Why Faxing Is the Best Choice

Faxing medical records might seem old-fashioned, but it remains a secure method. Unlike email, fax data travels over the telephone network, making it less vulnerable to cyberattacks. With modern enhancements, services like Fax.Plus combine traditional faxing with state-of-the-art internet security. This means you don’t have to invest in an old fax machine or worry about outdated technology.

How to Fax Medical Records Securely

Faxing your medical records with Fax.Plus is simple: 1. Download and Install: Get Fax.Plus on your desktop (Windows or macOS) or smartphone (iOS or Android). 2. Create an Account: Sign up and select the Enterprise plan for full HIPAA compliance. 3. Get or Transfer a Fax Number: Choose a new fax number or migrate an existing one. 4. Set Up Advanced Security: Activate enhanced security controls in your profile. 5. Sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA): This formalizes your commitment to HIPAA compliance. 6. Send Your Fax: Attach your medical documents and send them securely.

How Long Does It Take to Fax Medical Records?

Sending medical records via Fax.Plus is nearly instantaneous. Once your documents are uploaded and the secure settings are in place, your fax is sent in seconds. This quick process is ideal for urgent situations where time is critical.

When Sending a Fax, the Medical Assistant Must

When transmitting a fax that includes patient information, the medical assistant must ensure that every step complies with HIPAA guidelines. This includes verifying that all security features are activated, using the correct cover sheet marked as confidential, confirming the fax number to avoid sending data to the wrong recipient, and keeping a record of sent faxes for audits.

How to Fax a Prescription: Step-by-Step Guide

Who Can Fax a Prescription?

Only authorized professionals can fax a prescription. These include:

Health Practitioners: Doctors, dentists, optometrists, nurse practitioners, midwife practitioners, and other registered healthcare professionals.
Physician Assistants (PAs): In the U.S., certified PAs can send prescriptions, though some states limit controlled substance prescriptions.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): Nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives can prescribe medications, with minor restrictions.
Clinical Pharmacists: In some areas, they can prescribe through collaboration agreements.
Specialists: Veterinarians, dentists, and optometrists also have prescribing authority in their fields.
Authorized Agents: Patients can let someone else pick up prescriptions with a formal Letter of Authorization.
Cross-Border Prescriptions: Prescriptions from the EEA or Switzerland can be sent to UK pharmacies under specific rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Fax a Prescription

Skip the hassle of old-school unsecured faxing. Follow these three secure steps with Fax.Plus:

Add Recipient Fax Number

Go to the Send Fax section and enter the recipient’s fax number in the To field (country code + area code + fax number). You can send fax online to multiple fax numbers at once.

Attach Prescription Files

Attach the pictures you wish to fax (JPEG, PNG or TIFF). You can also add an optional fax cover sheet to you faxes and add some details about the recipient.

Send Prescription via Fax

Send your efax and wait for the confirmation report. You will receive the report in your email, via push notification within Fax.Plus mobile app and can also be viewed in your Web dashboard.

What to Include in a Faxed Prescription

When you fax a prescription, include these key details:

Patient’s name and contact information.
Medication name, dosage, and directions.
Prescriber’s details and signature.
Date of issuance.

Is Faxing a Prescription Secure?

Yes, faxing a prescription is secure. Faxing with Fax.Plus protects sensitive health information through encryption and reliable transmission methods. This makes faxing a trusted way to send prescriptions to a pharmacy or hospital.

Fax vs. Email: Which Is Better?

Emailing a Prescription

Speed: Email is fast but may not be as secure.
Risk: Emails can be intercepted if not encrypted.

Faxing a Prescription

Security: Faxing is a proven method that protects patient data.
Reliability: Fax transmissions reach their destination without the risk of being caught in spam filters.

FAQs

Can prescriptions be faxed directly by patients?

No. Prescriptions must be sent by authorized healthcare professionals. Patients can only have their prescriptions faxed if they authorize an agent to do so using a formal Letter of Authorization.

What information must be included in a faxed prescription?

A faxed prescription should include the patient’s full name, medication details (name, dosage, and directions), the prescriber’s information and signature, and the date. This ensures the pharmacy has all the necessary data to fill the prescription correctly.

Are faxed prescriptions considered electronic prescriptions?

Faxed prescriptions are not classified as electronic prescriptions. Electronic prescriptions are typically transmitted directly from a healthcare provider’s system to the pharmacy using a secure electronic network, while faxed prescriptions are sent through fax technology.

Can controlled substances be prescribed via fax?

Generally, controlled substances have stricter regulations. Many jurisdictions do not allow controlled substances to be faxed or require additional verification and original documentation to ensure compliance.

How can I ensure the prescription reaches the correct pharmacy?

To ensure your prescription reaches the right pharmacy, double-check the fax number and recipient details before sending. Using a secure service like Fax.Plus adds an extra layer of verification, as it confirms the successful transmission of your fax.

What should I do if a prescription is sent to the wrong pharmacy?

If a prescription is sent to the wrong pharmacy, immediately contact both the sending party and the incorrect pharmacy. Then, correct the error by resending the prescription to the intended pharmacy and follow up with your healthcare provider.

Is internet faxing secure for prescriptions?

Yes. Internet-based faxing, such as that offered by Fax.Plus, is secure. It uses encryption and reliable transmission methods to protect sensitive health information during the faxing process.

Is Fax.Plus HIPAA compliant?

Yes, Fax.Plus is HIPAA fax. We understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive medical information. To ensure the highest level of protection maintaining the privacy and security of healthcare data, we have implemented robust security measures and policies that encompass the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your health information.Learn more about our approach here.

Can I integrate Fax.Plus on my application or software?

Seamlessly integrate fax functionality into your applications with the Fax.Plus fax API. Experience unrivalled flexibility, robust security, and exceptional reliability—all specifically crafted for developers.

Discover Fax.Plus,
HIPAA compliant fax solution.

Want to see how our cutting-edge faxing solution can help your healthcare organisation?
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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only, and Fax.Plus cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or accurate. This is not intended to be legal advice and should not be a substitute for professional legal advice. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal questions.

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Quick Guide to Fax Prescriptions