In a delightful twist of technological irony, the humble fax machine still reigns supreme in the healthcare sector, according to an article from Computerworld.
Despite the digital revolution and the rise of electronic health records (EHRs), a large majority of healthcare providers, insurance payers, and pharmacies continue to rely on this aging technology for transmitting patient information and prescription requests. As recently as 2019, seven in 10 hospitals were still relying on fax machines and phone lines to transfer and retrieve patient records or order prescriptions. But here’s the kicker:
“Fax machines pose a risk to patient privacy because data traveling across phone lines is not encrypted and access to a piece of paper can be easier than hacking an electronic file. Patient records can and have been sent to the wrong fax number, too. But the dangers of a widespread data breach of patient data remains virtually nonexistent compared to what can happen when hackers gain access to healthcare systems.”
So, despite its quirks and potential risks, the trusty fax machine is here to stay, diligently keeping the wheels of healthcare turning. It’s a testament to the old adage: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!