Fax machines alive and well in some doctor’s offices

Regulations and technological limitations and stubbornness get much of the credit


In medical facilities across the country, staff are placing physical medical records in a tray, dialing in a number, pressing send, and hoping to avoid a paper jam, according to an article on the Slate website.

The medical industry’s preference for fax may have something to do with HIPAA regulations. A post about the HIPAA Privacy Rule on the HHS website explicitly names fax as an acceptable method of transmission of medical records, test results, instructions, and treatment regimens. 

Some interpret the wording of the rule to mean that fax is an acceptably secure medium while email is not. Not only are faxes considered a more secure medium than email, they can also be more convenient when dealing with physical patient files. 

But part of the reason may just be tradition, as many older doctors simply feel comfortable with the technology.

Read the article.

 

 



June 13, 2018


Topic Area: Information Technology


Recent Posts

Ventilation and Filtering for Infection Control 

Poor IAQ can be deadly in healthcare facilities, so maintaining proper air conditioning and filter systems is key in controlling the spread of infection.


ChristianaCare Opens Aston Campus Neighborhood Hospital

The hospital is expected to care for approximately 15,000 patients each year.


Stantec Breaks Ground on New Academic Medical Center in Miami

The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.


Building Senior Living for the Next Generation of Retirees

As baby boomers seek new retirement expectations, developers and designers must rethink senior living facilities


Managing Drain and Biofilm Risk

Drains are out of sight, but a coordinated program linking infection prevention, EVS and facilities can keep them from getting out of control.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.