Page 32 - Part 2 Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

SVMIC Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

Faxed Medical Information

Faxed transmission of medical information, although now routine,

still carries some risk. Office staff must take reasonable steps to
ensure that faxed transmissions will be received only by the

individual for whom it was intended. Failure to do so may be

interpreted as a breach of confidentiality. Be aware that a
misdialed fax can result in a breach of confidentiality and,

therefore, be subject to the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule. Most
fax machines have a reporting feature that will produce a

confirmation of a fax sent. The practice should program the fax to

print this confirmation for each fax of medical information to
ensure that the information made it to its intended destination.

EHRs that have the capability to send medical information by fax
server should be able to track the confirmation internally. Either

way, it is important to have documentation that the medical

information was sent. All faxed medical information should include
a cover page with the practice’s address, telephone number and a

confidentiality notice with instructions detailing what to do if the
fax is received in error.

Page | 32