How to Fax a Prescription — Fast, Secure & HIPAA-Compliant
Faxing a prescription is still the standard way a prescriber sends a medication order to a pharmacy, and the page has to show the prescriber's NPI, the patient's name, the drug, dosage, quantity, refills, and the signature clearly enough to dispense from. Controlled substances add another layer, with DEA rules and state pharmacy practice acts governing which schedules can move by fax at all. Send FAX Mail transmits prescriptions under a signed Business Associate Agreement with AES-256 encryption and confirms delivery to the pharmacy's line, so the order arrives legible and the disclosure is documented.
How to Fax a Prescriptions
- 1Prepare the prescription document as a clear PDF scan — ensure the prescriber's NPI, patient name, date, medication, dosage, and signature are all legible
- 2Log in to Send FAX Mail on your browser or mobile device
- 3Click 'New Fax' and upload the prescription PDF
- 4Enter the pharmacy's fax number — verify it against the pharmacy's published directory to prevent misdirected transmission
- 5Add a HIPAA-compliant cover sheet noting the confidential nature of the enclosed prescription
- 6Click Send — you will receive email delivery confirmation when the pharmacy's fax line receives the document
Document Format
Prescriptions should be transmitted as high-contrast black text on white background for optimal legibility. Ensure the prescriber's name, NPI number, DEA number (for controlled substances), patient name, date of birth, medication name, dosage, frequency, quantity, refills authorized, and prescriber signature are all clearly visible. Use PDF format for best fax quality. Avoid colored paper or background graphics that reduce contrast during fax transmission.
Legal Considerations
Prescriptions are protected health information under HIPAA, and transmission requires a HIPAA-compliant fax service with a signed Business Associate Agreement. DEA regulations impose specific requirements for controlled substance prescriptions — Schedule II substances have additional restrictions on fax transmission and may require original written prescriptions in some states. Faxed prescriptions must comply with state pharmacy practice act requirements, which vary significantly. Always confirm the receiving pharmacy's fax number before transmitting controlled substance prescriptions.
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