Yes, fax is still widely used, especially in healthcare. Doctors keep faxing mainly because different electronic record systems often can't exchange data with each other, while almost every office can send and receive a fax. US privacy rules also explicitly allow faxing with safeguards. Government agencies like the IRS and SSA still accept faxes for many tasks.
If a clinic has ever asked you to "just fax it over," you've probably wondered what year it is. You're not alone. People on Reddit ask this regularly, often with some frustration. Here's the real explanation, backed by sources.
Is faxing really still a thing?
It is. A few examples from official sources in 2025–2026:
- The IRS lists fax numbers for replying to CP2000 notices and for EIN applications on Form SS-4 (IRS, IRS).
- The Social Security Administration tells people they can find their local office's fax number in its online office locator (SSA).
- FedEx Office and The UPS Store still offer in-store faxing (FedEx Office, The UPS Store).
But healthcare is where fax really refuses to go away.
Why do doctors still use fax machines?
1. Their computer systems don't talk to each other
This is the biggest reason, and it shows up in every country. Hospitals, clinics, labs, and pharmacies often use different electronic medical record (EMR) systems that can't easily exchange information. Fax works between any two offices that have a fax number.
In Canada, the Canadian Medical Association says "78% of doctors say they can't exchange patient clinical summaries with doctors outside their own practice," and that nearly 90% of doctors in Ontario say they have to use faxes to share patient information with other providers (CMA, updated April 2026).
In the US, a 2017 Vox investigation explained how billions of dollars went into digitizing records, but hospitals and doctor offices "generally remain unable to transfer electronic information" to each other, so they print and fax (Vox).
2. US privacy rules explicitly allow fax
Under HIPAA, HHS says providers may share health information with other providers for treatment "by fax or by other means," as long as they use reasonable safeguards, such as confirming the fax number (HHS). Fax is a familiar, accepted method, so many offices see little reason to change. (Read more in Is online fax HIPAA compliant?)
3. It's what everyone else uses
If the hospital, the pharmacy, and the insurance company all expect fax, a single practice can't easily switch alone. Switching only works when the people you exchange documents with switch too.
4. Changing systems costs time and money
New systems need investment and staff training. In Australia, Dr. Rob Hosking of the Royal Australian College of GPs told the ABC that "a lot of organisations are stuck in their ways or haven't done the investment in electronic systems available" (ABC News, February 2025).
How much do doctors still rely on fax?
Exact numbers are hard to pin down, and estimates come from different years and methods. Here's what credible sources report:
| Country | What the source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USA | A senior federal official estimated in late 2021 that 70% of health providers still transmit medical information by fax | Provider Magazine |
| Canada | 55% of family doctors often or usually received post-discharge information by fax (2025 survey) | CIHI |
| Canada | An estimated 152 million faxes sent by health providers every year | CMA |
| Australia | 21% of family doctors said they often or usually received post-discharge information by fax (2025 survey) | CIHI |
| Australia (NSW) | Sydney Children's Hospitals Network noted in 2023 that more than 80% of referrals to hospitals were still sent by fax, post, or hand delivery | ABC News |
Is fax actually secure?
It's more complicated than "yes" or "no." Fax avoids some email risks, but mistakes still happen. The CMA notes that in 2021 there were nearly 5,000 privacy breaches reported in Ontario because faxes were sent to the wrong number (CMA). That's why HHS lists confirming the fax number as a key safeguard.
Will fax ever go away?
Healthcare is slowly moving away from fax, but it's happening system by system:
- Australia: The "axe the fax" push has led some hospital networks and health districts to move to electronic referrals. The ABC reports that seven NSW health districts have moved to a new electronic referral program (ABC News).
- Canada: CIHI reports that Canadian family doctors' use of digital tools to communicate with providers outside their practice grew quickly between 2022 and 2025, though Canada still trailed the international average (CIHI).
- UK: The ABC notes that fax machines were banned from NHS hospitals in 2020.
For now, patients and small businesses still run into "please fax it" regularly.
What should I do if my doctor asks me to fax something?
- Ask if there's a patient portal or another upload option. It may be easier.
- If fax is the only option, scan your document with your phone. See How to fax from your iPhone.
- Confirm the fax number with the office.
- Send it online. With sendfaxfast.com, there's no account and no subscription. Faxes to the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand start at $2.49 for up to 5 pages.
- Call to confirm it arrived if it's urgent.
| Fax type | Pages | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Short fax | 1–5 | $2.49 |
| Long fax | 6–20 | $3.49 |
| XL fax | 21–40 | $4.99 |
| XL Fax Plus | 41–100 | from $6.24 |
Prices per fax as of October 2026, the same for the US & Canada (+1), Australia (+61), New Zealand (+64), and 39 more supported countries. XL Fax Plus costs $4.99 plus $1.25 for each started 10 pages beyond 40. Maximum 100 pages per fax. Single faxes need no account and no subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Does faxing still exist in 2026?
Yes. Healthcare providers, government agencies like the IRS and SSA, and many businesses still accept or require fax for some documents.
Why do doctors prefer fax over email?
Mostly because their record systems often can't exchange data directly. Fax works between almost any two offices, and US rules explicitly allow faxing with reasonable safeguards.
Is fax safer than email?
Not automatically. Faxes sent to the wrong number cause real privacy breaches. Whatever method you use, double-check the recipient's details.
Do I need a fax machine to fax my doctor?
No. You can scan your document with your phone and send it through an online fax service.
Are hospitals getting rid of fax?
Some are. Several Australian hospital networks and health districts have moved to electronic referrals, and the UK banned fax machines from NHS hospitals in 2020, according to ABC News.