Fax machines seem as ancient as long-forgotten pagers or VHS tapes, but in fact, they are still in use, and for some businesses and industries, there is no better alternative to faxing up to this day. The medical industry is one of them.
And if you think that’s weird, try to imagine how puzzled millennial doctors are when forced to use this technology! However, the medical community has its reasons to stick to faxing – from its affordability and ability to access other hospitals to convenience in use and high-security levels, among others. Read on to find out more about why doctors continue to use faxes in 2021.
The Most Convenient Way to Access Information
Much like the Internet, faxes are a form of universal communication that can be used in any time and place: you don’t need a computer or a smartphone, or even to be online. However, it is important to note that this universality does not relate to the quality of service and information provided.
The medical professionals use faxes with the aim to store and transmit relevant information, such as patients’ records, lab results, invoices from suppliers, etc.
Secure Communication Method
As we all know, medical information is highly sensitive. By using faxing technology, doctors can be sure that only those who need to see their data will get access to it. This is possible because fax machines are capable of accepting only certain data, which have been sent by authorized users.
In addition, once a fax has been received, it cannot be forwarded or printed without proper permission from the sender. Also, users can set a time limit for access in order to prevent theft of their data or abuse of privileges.
More Convenient to Use in Healthcare
Let’s face it – faxing is easier to use than other technologies. Doctors have to deal with a lot of complex and sometimes urgent tasks, which require to be done quickly and accurately. In this case, the ability to send information quickly, without any technical skills or knowledge, is a huge advantage.
The main thing is that fax machines can be found almost everywhere, from offices to hospitals. In addition, they are quite user-friendly: you only need to know how to switch it on, insert the paper, add a fax cover page and start sending information.
Highly Available
Another benefit of fax machines is their availability. You don’t need to worry about their antenna being down during an emergency: if there is electricity, then faxes will work. This makes them reliable in critical situations, as they can be used at any time during the day or night.
Suitable Alternative For Rural Areas
In contrast to the Internet or mobile communication, faxing works and is available even in remote and undeveloped areas. As reported by professionals, it is not uncommon for doctors to use faxing in remote areas of the country where cellular networks are unreliable or even non-existent.
Used by Many Countries around the World
Unlike some communication technologies, the use of fax machines has always been widespread among different countries and cultures. In fact, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), in 2017, there were 7 million fax machines in operation all over the world!
For instance, in Japan, more than 10% of all companies still use fax machines for business communication. The U.S. is another country with high numbers of fax machines: 1 million were still in use in 2017. Also, some countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore have worked out ways to adapt the technology for use in their modern sectors. This shows its enduring popularity.
Helps Save a Lot of Time
The medical industry is very busy: doctors don’t have much time for themselves. They often have to work extra hours or shifts to help those who really need it badly. Apart from dealing with patients and their health issues, doctors also need to communicate with various medical organizations across the country or abroad. Faxes are a great way to keep track of all the important information while saving time and effort on multiple levels.
Allows You to Maintain a Professional Image in Both Private and Public Spheres
It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about your office or your home: using a fax machine shows that you are serious about your business. Even if you only intend to send some documents or papers, you can choose from a variety of attractive and sophisticated fax covers that will show your professionalism.
Environmentally-Friendly Option
Considering the current problems with climate change and pollution, people are trying their best to save the planet and live more sustainably. Using fax machines can help you minimize environmental impact.
In Conclusion
You now know the reasons why the medical industry continues to rely on this technology for sending patient information back and forth between different facilities. Fax still has its use in the modern digital age and offers fast, secure, and reliable communication.