Is faxing actually HIPAA compliant?

Traditional faxing is prone to errors (papers left on trays). Cloud faxing is HIPAA compliant only if the provider uses end-to-end encryption, maintains audit trails, and—most importantly—signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).

What is a BAA and why do I need one?

A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a mandatory contract under HIPAA. It legally binds the service provider to protect your Protected Health Information (PHI). Without a BAA, using the service for medical records is a federal violation.

Can I use a free fax service for medical records?

Short answer: No. Free tiers almost never include a BAA or the necessary security audits required by HHS. Saving a few dollars isn't worth a $50,000 HIPAA fine.

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Stop risking PHI with outdated tools. We reviewed the top HIPAA-compliant fax solutions for 2026, focusing on security, BAA availability, and mobile workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is faxing actually HIPAA compliant?: Traditional faxing is prone to errors (papers left on trays). Cloud faxing is HIPAA compliant only if the provider uses end-to-end encryption, maintains audit trails, and—most importantly—signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
What is a BAA and why do I need one?: A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a mandatory contract under HIPAA. It legally binds the service provider to protect your Protected Health Information (PHI). Without a BAA, using the service for medical records is a federal violation.
Can I use a free fax service for medical records?: Short answer: No. Free tiers almost never include a BAA or the necessary security audits required by HHS. Saving a few dollars isn't worth a $50,000 HIPAA fine.