Why eReferral is the Obvious Choice: Modernizing Healthcare Communication

In a world where nearly every industry has embraced digital transformation, healthcare continues to function with one specific outdated communication tool – the fax machine.

Despite the documental downfalls, fax machines are still found most clinics, hospitals, and private practices. But change is underway, and it’s called eReferral.

eReferral is the electronic transmission of referral information between healthcare providers. It offers a streamlined, secure, and efficient way to manage patient referrals—without paper jams, lost documents, or illegible handwriting.

The following are the key benefits found from using eReferral.

Improved Efficiency and Workflow

Faxing involves multiple manual steps: printing, scanning, dialing, confirming transmission, and storing paper files. eReferral, on the other hand, integrates with electronic medical records (EMRs), enabling providers to send and receive referrals with just a few clicks. This reduces administrative burden and saves valuable staff time.

Benefit: More time for patient care, less time spent on paperwork.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

Fax machines are a security risk: misdialed numbers, lost printouts, and lack of security processes can all lead to privacy breaches. eReferral systems use encrypted platforms that protect patient data and maintain complete logs of communications.

Benefit: Increased patient confidentiality and reduced risk of regulatory violations.

Faster Referral Processing

Faxed referrals often sit in queues or get lost entirely, causing delays in care. eReferrals are delivered instantly and can be tracked in real time. Clinicians know exactly when a referral is received, viewed, and scheduled.

Benefit: Quicker access to specialists and potentially faster treatment for patients.

Better Communication and Collaboration

Fax is a one-way transmission with no built-in way to follow up or update. eReferral platforms enable two-way communication, allowing referring clinicians and specialists to exchange notes, attach documents, and update referral statuses.

Benefit: Clearer, continuous communication improves care coordination.

Data Accuracy and Completeness

Handwritten faxes can be illegible or incomplete, leading to errors or delays. eReferrals use structured, and sometimes standardized, forms that prompt users for all required information, reducing the chances of missing information that can lead to declined referrals.

Benefit: Accurate, standardized referrals lead to less declined referrals and better clinical outcomes.

Environmental and Cost Savings

Faxing involves paper, toner, maintenance, and machine costs. eReferral is paperless and reduces the need for physical resources, helping both the environment and the bottom line.

Benefit: Lower overhead and a smaller carbon footprint.

It’s Time to Say Goodbye to the Fax

The case for transitioning from fax to eReferral is clear. In an era where speed, security, and efficiency are critical to the quality care, hanging onto outdated tools holds healthcare back. By adopting eReferral, organizations can modernize their processes, improve patient experiences, and facilitate more effective collaboration among care teams.

Healthcare is evolving. Communication should too.

Questions? Please reach out to eReferral@amplifycare.com.