Lab Results Move Healthcare Forward – But Only if They Move Securely
Every minute matters when it comes to patient careFrom biopsies and blood panels to rapid diagnostic tests, these reports must reach the right people quickly, securely, accurately, and in full compliance.
The reality? Most facilities are still relying on fax often because email can’t guarantee the same level of HIPAA compliance without extra security layers. But not all fax is created equal.
The difference between faxing and secure faxing could mean the difference between meeting HIPAA standards or facing a costly breach.
Why Fax Is Still the Standard for Lab Results
Healthcare has been chasing interoperability for decades, but until every EHR can speak the same language, fax remains the common denominator. It’s universally understood, widely implemented, and when done right—HIPAA-compliant.
The “when done right” part is key. Because physical fax machines, unsecured lines, and manual delivery open the door to:
- Misdelivery: Sending to the wrong number or wrong facility
- PHI exposure: Unattended printouts sitting on a fax tray
- Lack of audit trails: No proof that the right person received the results
That’s why cloud fax is rapidly replacing traditional fax hardware in lab result workflows.
How Cloud Fax Secures Lab Result Delivery
With the right cloud fax platform—like Documo—you get more than digital convenience. You get encryption, authentication, and visibility from the moment a result leaves one facility until it arrives at another.
- Encrypted Transmission
Cloud fax uses TLS encryption in transit and AES encryption at rest, ensuring PHI is secure end-to-end. - Verified Recipients
Recipient numbers and identities are authenticated before delivery, reducing misdirected results. - Real-Time Delivery Confirmation
You get a digital receipt for every sent or received fax—proof for compliance and peace of mind. - Audit Trails
Every action (send, receive, view, download) is logged for accountability.
Step-by-Step: Sharing Lab Results Securely Between Facilities
- Scan or Upload your lab result directly into your cloud fax portal.
- Double-Verify the Destination using stored, pre-approved recipient lists.
- Encrypt & Send via your HIPAA-compliant cloud fax provider.
- Confirm Receipt in real-time using your delivery log.
- Archive Securely in an encrypted, access-controlled repository.
Bonus: Adding IDP for Faster, Smarter Results Routing
If your facility is sending or receiving dozens—or hundreds—of lab results daily, Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) can make the process even faster. With IDP, your system can:
- Auto-recognize document type (“Lab Result”)
- Extract patient identifiers
- Easily route to the correct EHR folder
That means results move not just securely, but instantly into the right hands.
FAQ
Q: Can lab results be sent by fax under HIPAA?
Yes — as long as the fax method is HIPAA-compliant, encrypted, and sent to the correct recipient.
Q: Is cloud fax more secure than traditional fax?
Absolutely. Cloud fax adds encryption, delivery tracking, and access controls that paper fax machines can’t provide.
The Smart Way to Share Lab Results
Fax isn’t going away tomorrow—but the way we use it can evolve today. Cloud fax makes lab result sharing not only faster, but measurably safer. And when you add automation like IDP, you’re not just checking a compliance box—you’re actively improving patient care timelines.
