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iPlum is the best HIPAA-compliant app if you’re looking for true end-to-end secure texting for healthcare communication without leaving a hole in your budget.
In HIPAA mode, iPlum encrypts every message from sender to recipient, helping protect patient data on any device. Moreover, your iPlum number comes with a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA), meeting HIPAA and HITECH requirements for electronic communication.
You can also invite clients to create a free iPlum account for secure, bidirectional texting that keeps both sides compliant.
iPlum isn’t the only HIPAA-compliant messaging app, though. We’ve rounded up eight other HIPAA-compliant phone services to give you a broader range of options.
Let’s jump in.
Table of Contents
2. Best HIPAA-compliant texting apps
3. How did we pick the best HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps?
4. What are the benefits of using a HIPAA-compliant texting app?
5. HIPAA-compliant texting apps—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps—Get your money’s worth
Quick comparison table
Before we get into the details, here is a comparison table to give you a quick overview of how each platform supports HIPAA-compliant texting.
Best HIPAA-compliant texting apps
While the apps below offer HIPAA compliance for doctors, the way they do so differs significantly. And, it’s crucial to understand specifics before you pick one.
1. iPlum
iPlum is a HIPAA-compliant phone service made for healthcare professionals who want to communicate safely with patients.
It creates a separate business number on your phone, so you can text clients securely without mixing work and personal messages. In addition, the platform encrypts messages end-to-end, protecting patient information from sender to recipient.
With iPlum, you can send and receive messages from your phone or computer. At the same time, your patients can reply using the iPlum app or a secure app-less web portal. That way, conversations stay private, logged, and audit-ready.
Why is iPlum the best HIPAA-compliant text messaging app?
- It encrypts all texts: Protects patient information every time you send a message.
- It includes a signed BAA: Ensures messaging meets HIPAA standards.
- It allows clients to reply online: Patients can send and receive secure messages through a web link.
- It offers two texting options: You can use standard SMS for general messages or HIPAA mode for patient details.
- It schedules messages: You can send appointment reminders or updates automatically.
- It forwards texts to email: Allows you to read and manage your messages from your regular email account, so you never miss an update or patient reply.
- You can invite patients to create a free iPlum account: Allow secure, two-way messaging with your clients through the app or iPlum portal. Only a handful of patient communication platforms offer this feature.
- It's cost-effective: iPlum is one of the most affordable HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps available.
What You Should Know
- You need the Professional plan for HIPAA-compliant texting.
- You must turn on HIPAA mode to enable encryption.
Pricing
iPlum costs $14.99 per user per month for HIPAA-compliance available in the Professional plan.
2. OhMD
OhMD is a HIPAA-compliant texting platform for doctors and clinics that need a simple, no-frills way to reach patients.
It allows healthcare providers to send reminders, follow-ups, and quick updates through SMS or secure links. With OhMD, patients can reply from their phone’s browser without downloading the app.
Why is OhMD good for HIPAA-compliant messaging?
- It allows browser-based replies: Patients can respond securely without installing an app.
- It supports message automation: You can send reminders, follow-ups, and auto-replies to save time.
- It works on mobile and desktop: Healthcare providers can manage texts from any device.
- It integrates with EHR systems: It syncs patient details for faster communication.
- It simplifies appointment coordination: You can send quick updates and confirmations in one thread.
What You Should Know
- It only meets HIPAA standards: Doesn’t extend compliance to HITECH or Dodd-Frank.
- It lacks a separate secure channel: Doesn’t provide an encrypted system distinct from regular SMS or MMS for two-way texting.
- It costs more than most competitors: OhMD’s base plan starts at $250 per month.
Pricing
OhMD pricing starts at $250 per month. Custom pricing is also available for API access.
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3. RingCentral
RingCentral markets itself as an all-in-one communication platform. It offers calling, texting, and video meetings, among other features. With RingCentral, you can manage customer calls, internal chat, and remote collaboration through desktop and mobile apps.
Why is RingCentral a good HIPAA-compliant phone service?
- It provides encryption in transit: The platform protects data while messages and calls move through its network.
- It offers administrative controls: Account owners can restrict access to authorized users.
- It creates activity logs: RingCentral records account actions for internal compliance reviews.
What you should know
- RingCentral offers partial encryption: While the platform secures data in transit, it doesn’t provide a separate encrypted channel for two-way messaging with clients.
- It leaves compliance oversight to you: You are responsible for managing your own HIPAA adherence.
Pricing
RingCentral pricing starts at $30 per user per month.
4. TigerConnect
TigerConnect positions itself as a “unified healthcare communication” platform. It’s designed for clinical coordination and patient outreach, giving practices a centralized solution to manage both internal and external communication.
With TigerConnect, healthcare providers can text patients before, during, and after appointments using encrypted links sent through SMS.
Why is TigerConnect good patient texting software?
- It enables secure patient texting: Uses encrypted SMS links that open in a secure browser window.
- It supports automated messages: Sends reminders, follow-ups, and bulk updates to patients.
- It offers group texting: Allows multi-party chats between patients, caregivers, and specialists.
- It integrates with EHR systems: Moves messages into patient records for documentation.
- It provides shared inboxes: Lets multiple staff members manage patient conversations efficiently.
What You Should Know
- It’s built for large healthcare systems: The system functionality leans towards large hospitals, multi-location, and caregivers rather than small practices.
- It has a steep learning curve: Users say it may take time to learn how to max out OhMD’s functionality.
Pricing
TigerConnect doesn’t list its pricing publicly. That said, the service says it operates on a fixed-price, fixed-quantity annual subscription model, but doesn't reveal the particulars.
5. Nextiva
Nextiva offers a cloud-based communication system that combines calling, video, and virtual fax. Its functionality focuses on customer calls, internal communication, and remote collaboration. How does Nextiva stack up as a HIPAA-compliant messaging app for doctors? Let's find out:
Why is Nextiva good for HIPAA-compliant messaging?
- It supports a signed BAA: Nextiva provides a signed BAA for healthcare clients using its HIPAA-compliant services.
- It supports secure voice, fax, and video: The system protects patient information through encrypted transmission and restricted data access.
- It runs on certified infrastructure: HIPAA-enabled accounts use SSAE 16-certified data centers with SOC II and PCI-DSS audits.
What you should know
Nextiva disables high-risk features: Options like voicemail-to-email, voicemail transcription, and SMS are turned off for HIPAA accounts to prevent data exposure.
HIPAA coverage applies only to specific services: Phone, fax, and video conferencing are compliant. On the other hand, chat, CRM, and survey tools are not.
Configuration is account-based: Compliance takes effect only after Nextiva enables HIPAA mode and both parties sign a BAA.
Pricing
Nextiva costs between $15 and $75, depending on your plan.
6. Klara
Klara is HIPAA-compliant texting software that promises to help providers “centralize communication channels, enhance collaboration, and automate outreach workflows.
It allows patients to send and receive messages, photos, or documents securely through an encrypted link. Meanwhile, your staff can respond from the web portal, add internal notes, and broadcast updates to multiple patients at once.
Why Klara is a Good HIPAA-Compliant texting app?
- It offers secure texting links: Patients can join encrypted chats through SMS links, protecting PHI.
- It supports group texting: Providers can message patients, family members, and staff together.
- It integrates with EHRs: Syncs patient messages into existing records for consistency.
- It automates reminders: Sends scheduled texts for appointments and follow-ups.
- It has read receipts: Shows when a patient opens or replies to a message.
What You Should Know
- It limits who you can text: You can’t message contacts who aren’t tied to patient records.
- It doesn’t offer a free patient account: Patients must reply through links, not a secure app.
- It can mis-transcribe voicemails: Some users report incomplete voicemail text versions.
Pricing
Klara doesn’t provide its pricing publicly. It offers custom and quote-based pricing, with costs adjusted based on factors like the number of users, practice size, and required features.
To get a price, you must contact Klara for a quote, as there is no free trial or version available.
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7. Phone.com
Phone.com is a cloud-based business phone and VoIP system. According to its official website, the platform targets small to midsize organizations. Some of its most notable features include voice calls, video meetings, fax, and text messaging available via mobile and desktop apps.
How does Phone.com operate as a HIPAA-compliant phone app? Let’s dive in:
Why is Phone.com good for HIPAA-compliant texting software?
- It encrypts data end to end: Phone.com secures voice, video, and stored messages with TLS and AES encryption.
- It monitors compliance logs: Administrators can review call and message records to confirm secure communication activity.
- It signs a BAA: Covered entities and business associates can complete a BAA with Phone.com.
- It locks voicemails and faxes behind login: Users must log in to view or download patient messages, preventing unauthorized access.
What you should know
- It disables risky defaults for HIPAA mode: Phone.com excludes features like automatically emailing voicemails/faxes and warns relevant users about standard SMS risks.
- You must review device and user practices: Even with Phone.com’s compliant infrastructure, you remain responsible for how staff use the system and how patient data flows.
- Phone.com doesn’t offer a secure channel for patient communication: Unlike a service like iPlum, Phone.com doesn’t have a distinct, secure channel for bi-directional texting with patients.
Pricing
Phone.com costs $15 to $33.33 per month per user, based on your plan.
8. Vonage
Vonage deserves mention among the best HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps if you’re looking for a custom solution. For starters, the platform provides a cloud communication platform with voice, video, and messaging APIs.
Vonage allows healthcare practices to use its programmable APIs to build secure communication channels for patients, clinicians, and support staff.
Why is Vonage good for HIPAA-compliant messaging?
- It signs a BAA: Vonage offers a BAA for its HIPAA-enabled APIs, allowing compliant use in healthcare apps.
- It provides secure API endpoints: Voice, SMS, and video APIs are transmitted through encrypted channels with TLS and HTTPS protection.
- It supports custom integrations: Developers can embed compliant messaging or calling directly into clinical portals or telehealth apps.
- It enables detailed auditing: Vonage APIs generate logs for message delivery, call duration, and user access to support internal compliance checks.
What You Should Know
- Not all Vonage services are covered under HIPAA: Vonage states that only its designated “HIPAA-enabled APIs” are covered.
- You must configure correctly and limit use: To remain compliant, you must use the proper API services, sign the BAA, and restrict workflows to PHI-safe channels.
- You still carry full user responsibility: Even with Vonage’s infrastructure, you must ensure your organization handles PHI appropriately.
Pricing
Vonage pricing varies depending on the API service, healthcare use-case, and contract terms.
9. Google Voice
Wrapping up our collection of the best HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps is Google Voice. The platform allows users to call and text numbers across multiple devices. It integrates with the Google Workspace ecosystem and supports voicemail, call forwarding, and messaging.
That said, Google Voice is more ideal for general business use rather than healthcare-specific workflows.
Why is Google Voice a good HIPAA-compliant phone app?
- It offers a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA): When used as part of Google Workspace and a signed BAA is in place, Google Voice allows you to handle protected health information (PHI).
- It encrypts data in transit and at rest: Google states that it encrypts data while moving and when stored, which aligns with HIPAA technical safeguards.
- It allows managed user assignments: You can assign Google Voice licenses to managed users under a HIPAA-enabled Workspace account, enabling you to maintain compliance.
What you should know
- Google Voice for consumer use is not HIPAA-compliant: The free version lacks a BAA and adequate controls for PHI.
- Compliance depends on configuration: Even with the Workspace plan and BAA, you must configure security settings properly.
- It isn’t built for healthcare workflows: While technically compliant under correct conditions, Google Voice lacks features tailored to healthcare (e.g., secure two-way messaging with patients, EHR integration).
Pricing
Google Voice for Google Workspace starts at $10–$30 per user per month, depending on plan and region.
How did we pick the best HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps?
To narrow down the best HIPAA-compliant phone services, we reviewed each platform’s security, usability, and reliability.
Our evaluation focused on how well each app protects patient data, simplifies daily communication, and provides value for the price. We also looked at customer feedback and real-world performance across industries.
Here’s the breakdown.
Adherence to HIPAA regulations
We verified that each app meets HIPAA and HITECH standards. The best options encrypt all communication, provide signed BAAs, and use secure authentication.
Apps that explain their compliance process clearly and offer consistent protection for patient data earned higher trust in our evaluation.
Ability to leave audit trails
We looked for services that create detailed audit trails. These records track every message, call, and user action for transparency.
Reliable audit trails simplify compliance reviews, making it easier for organizations to prove accountability during audits or legal investigations.
Functionality
We checked whether each app supports secure texting, automated replies, and group or broadcast messages. Because systems that combine messaging with scheduling, voicemail, or extensions make everyday communication smoother.
Platforms offering easy navigation and web-mobile access scored best for usability.
Message logging
We evaluated how each platform logs messages for compliance and oversight. The strongest contenders automatically record all messages, time stamps, and contact details.
This ensures accurate records for internal reviews, billing, or investigations without the need for manual tracking.
Text message archiving
We analyzed how long each service retains messages and how accessible archived data is. Platforms that store messages for several years, provide search tools, and allow export options ranked highest.
Long-term archiving is critical for compliance and documentation in healthcare, insurance and finance.
EHR integration
We examined whether each app connects smoothly with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. Platforms that integrate with EHRs allow providers to save patient conversations, notes, and updates automatically.
This connection keeps records consistent, avoids double entry, and ensures that every text exchange becomes part of the patient’s medical history.
Onboarding support
We considered how easy it is to start using each app. Clear setup guides, training materials, and fast customer support improve the onboarding experience.
Apps that offer hands-on guidance or responsive help during setup scored higher in this category.
Pricing
We compared how much value each platform offers for the cost. Affordable plans that include HIPAA compliance, encryption, and message archiving ranked higher.
We also favored transparent pricing without hidden fees or large upfront commitments.
User reviews
We analyzed verified feedback from healthcare providers and business users. Consistent praise for ease of use, reliability, and support indicated strong performance. Apps with repeated complaints about downtime, bugs, or poor service ranked lower in our scoring.
Likewise, these are the factors you should look for in the best HIPAA-compliant text messaging app.
For more details, read our in-depth secure texting guide.
What are the benefits of using a HIPAA-compliant texting app?
A HIPAA-compliant text messaging app gives healthcare providers and professionals a secure way to communicate without risking patient or client privacy.
Below are the main benefits of using HIPAA-compliant texting software for your practice or organization.
It protects patient privacy
A HIPAA-compliant phone service encrypts messages from sender to recipient, ensuring that personal health information never leaks or gets intercepted.
It also restricts access through secure logins and role-based permissions, so only authorized users can view or respond to messages. This keeps all communication confidential and compliant.
It helps build trust and professionalism
Displaying a verified clinic name and maintaining a consistent line for communication helps patients recognize who’s contacting them.
This transparency fosters trust and strengthens the relationship between healthcare professionals and patients, enabling them to deliver care with professionalism at every interaction.
It supports compliance and recordkeeping
Good HIPAA-compliant texting apps log and archive all communication. These records can be retrieved during audits or legal reviews, making compliance reporting simpler.
Having a built-in archive ensures accountability and protects your organization from costly penalties or data loss.
It enables secure collaboration
In multi-provider settings, these apps allow secure internal messaging between doctors, nurses, and support staff.
Team members can coordinate care plans or share updates safely within the same compliance framework, thereby avoiding the risks associated with regular texting or unsecured email.
It helps you avoid costly penalties
Did you know that HIPAA violations can result in fines of up $50,000 per incident, with an annual maximum of $1.5 million for repeated breaches.
By using a compliant texting system, healthcare providers protect themselves from financial and legal consequences that stem from unsecured communication, accidental leaks, or lost mobile devices.
HIPAA-compliant texting apps—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is text messaging HIPAA compliant?
Regular text messaging isn’t HIPAA compliant because it lacks encryption and access controls. To meet HIPAA standards, providers must use secure apps with signed BAAs and proper data safeguards.
Is WhatsApp messaging HIPAA compliant?
No. WhatsApp encrypts messages but doesn’t sign Business Associate Agreements or provide audit controls. Therefore, healthcare providers can’t use it for transmitting or storing protected health information under HIPAA.
Is Telegram HIPAA compliant?
No. Telegram lacks the administrative and contractual safeguards required under HIPAA. Plus, it doesn’t offer BAAs or ensure full message logging, making it unsuitable for healthcare communication.
HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps—Get your money’s worth
Not every phone service that claims to be HIPAA compliant deserves your attention.
Some platforms meet the legal minimum but lack usability, transparency, or long-term value. The best HIPAA-compliant texting apps balance robust encryption, reliable recordkeeping, and affordable pricing.
iPlum leads the way with true end-to-end security, extended archiving, and a signed BAA at a fraction of what others charge.
Alternatives like RingCentral or OhMD are ideal for larger clinics but cost more and include limits that smaller practices might find restrictive.
That said, you now have a birds-eye view of how the top HIPAA-compliant texting apps compare on security, pricing, and ease of use.
Pick one that offers the best value for your money and needs.
Happy texting!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and may not reflect the most current features or capabilities of the products or companies mentioned. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official sources of each company.
