How to send a fax to a hospital in Ontario

Find the right fax number

Hospitals rarely have one fax number for everything. Health records, diagnostic imaging, specific clinics and individual programs often each have their own line, and some only accept referrals through a specific form or eReferral system.

Sending to the wrong department can mean days of delay while the fax is redirected, or a document that is never matched to the right patient. A few minutes of checking up front avoids that.

• Use the fax number printed on the form or letter the hospital gave you.
• Check the department's page on the hospital's official website.
• Call the department's main phone line and ask which fax number to use and whether they need a particular form.
• Avoid numbers from old letters, search results or a colleague's notes without checking them first.

Prepare and send the fax

1. Fill in the hospital's form completely. Missing fields are a common reason referrals are returned.
2. Scan or save the form and any supporting documents as a PDF, in the order the hospital expects.
3. Sign in to FaxToFax in your browser with your email and one-time code.
4. Choose a cover page template and add the department name, the patient's name or the hospital's reference, your phone number and the total page count.
5. Attach the PDF and enter the department's fax number.
6. Confirm the number on the check screen and send.

When fax is not the right channel

Some Ontario programs prefer eReferral or a secure portal for certain services. If the hospital asks you to use one, follow their instructions. For emergencies, do not rely on fax; call the department or 911 as appropriate.