Patent ID: 7191463

Claim:
In a system that includes a fax machine and a computer device, a method for managing data in compliance with regulated privacy, security, and electronic transaction standards, the method comprising the steps for: receiving a transmission set from the fax machine; using the computer device to preserve a digital copy of the transmission set for a period of time, wherein the period of time satisfies an established regulation; providing a confirmation to the fax machine to indicate receipt of the entire transmission set; selectively accessing at least some data associated with the digital copy comprising: receiving from a requestor a request for information, wherein any request is received through a single point of entry regardless of whether the request is from a requestor internal or external to a given facility; retrieving the requested information; assembling a report, wherein the report includes: the requested information: any comments received at a gatekeeper system regarding the requested information; and an audit trail; and transmitting a copy of the report to the requestor through a single point of exit regardless of whether the request was from a requestor internal or external to the given facility.