10 Best HIPAA-Compliant Text Messaging Apps

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has provided guidelines for protecting health information since 1996.

HIPAA-compliant messaging apps enable secure communication between doctors, nurses, and patients.

In this article, we discuss the core features and benefits of HIPAA texting apps and feature top 10 HIPAA-compliant messaging apps for healthcare providers and patients.

Want to know how to develop a custom healthcare messaging app? Review our guide on HIPAA app development essentials.

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What is HIPAA-Compliant Texting?

 Let’s start with a normal understanding of an HIPAA compliant texting app. What does it do? 

It works like any other application with some functions exclusive to healthcare scenarios.

However, the difference lies in the compliance. 

The entities dealing in healthcare information in any manner must take care of the rules.

There are four parameters for complying with HIPAA. Any entity working under that parameter needs to be HIPAA compliant.

Any entity that:

• Creates
• Maintains
• Receives
• Forwards or Transmits

A messaging app for HIPAA compliance must also have all the measures and tools built in to fulfill the requirements.

On one side, the encryption ensures that any third party does not have access to PHI. 

But on the other hand, it is vital to set in the best measures that protect the device.

The data which is personal to the individual. For instance, the images, messaging, app data and stuff in a phone. 

That must also be protected, for which being HIPAA compliant is essential.

No healthcare entity can have access to this data via a texting app. 

Here are a couple of use cases of these types of applications. Let say that a doctor is dealing with an old patient.

The older person cannot travel to the hospital frequently. Therefore, if a doctor needs to check on them, they can do so via an application.

Apart from this, an efficient HIPAA compliant app is also helpful for intra-hospital messaging or communication.

For instance, when nurses need to administer some medicine to a patient. 

In these cases, if they need to make contact in an emergency, instead of wasting time on the phone or reaching out.

They can simply send a message to the doctor.

The doctor will be notified and can respond promptly. This speeds up the things.

Hence, a chat option is essential in any healthcare HIPAA application. 

Benefits of Using a HIPAA-Compliant Messaging App

A HIPAA messaging app is a great solution for all healthcare institutions.

Even the stakeholders who do business with these healthcare entities. If any of these stakeholders get access to PHI in any form, they also need to be HIPAA compliant. 

Here are a few benefits of the HIPAA Compliant Texting solution.

Avoid Fines

Any healthcare institution that is not HIPAA compliant can get a fine up to $1.5 million.

Hence, it is vital to work with the best app. An app that is secure, authentic, and has encryption is important. 

Increased Productivity

Another benefit of a HIPAA chat is that it increases the productivity of the institution. Using just computers and fax machines, we cannot expect to speed up with work. 

Using emails and other applications to send information is unsafe.

So, a HIPAA compliant messaging app can help send X-rays, reports, prescriptions, and other stuff. It will speed things up.

There is added security. Nurses and other medical staff won’t have to visit the physicians frequently.  

Cost Savings

Compare two case scenarios.

On one hand, a hospital uses computers, printers, fax machines, and whatnot to help the staff connect with each other.

On the other hand, they provide them with a HIPAA compliant messaging app. 

Such a healthcare messaging app will help with sharing information and conversing with each other.

And since the app follows HIPAA guidelines, the information is also secure. 

Key Features for HIPAA Chat Apps

Based on smart features any healthcare application can satisfy the user requirements.

Hence, if you are developing a HIPAA compliant feature-rich solution, these additions are a must for your messaging app. 

Patient Features

Feature	Reason	Description
Chat and Messaging	Send Messages to Doctors or Nurses	Sometimes patients may want to get some advice or opinion from their doctor. When visiting the doctor is not feasible, they can send secure messages. Such a HIPAA Compliant messaging app is the core of getting a smooth service experience.
Make Appointments	Book appointments and follow-ups from the app.	The patients should be able to book their appointments. Such a messaging app can show the vacant time slots. They can see a Doctor’s calendar and book their time slot appropriately for healthcare needs.
Get Reminders	Receive Notifications for better approachability	Patients can receive notifications from the hospitals via chat application. They can get updates about their appointments. If there are delays, unavailability, or any other reason. This saves them the trouble to visit and get no service. Further, patients can also receive precautionary messages.

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Doctor Features

Feature	Reason	Description
Secure Data Sharing	So that doctors and nurses can send vital information.	Sending information through a secure chat boasted with proactive regulations. Any piece of information relating to patient health is subject to HIPAA guidelines.
Store Patient Details	Physicians should not have to spend time looking for patient files.	Any healthcare app which enables messaging should also store information. The doctors must be able to store and save patient data. They can get charts and reports on a single screen.  This way, they can easily look at the critical health indicators and suggest the way forward. Having access to such details is important to develop the best HIPAA compliant texting app. It serves the dual purpose of maintaining communication and
Send Notifications	They can get notifications on their mobile about appointments.	The doctors can get reminders about their next patient. The messaging app can also work as a scheduler for them. And since it is a HIPAA compliant solution, the information cannot flow over to other applications in the phone.

10 Best HIPAA-Compliant Texting Apps for 2024

Listed below are the best HIPAA compliant text apps for patients and doctors.

Top Healthcare Messaging Apps for Patients

• Klara: Klara has a wide market base. At present, around 40 clinical institutions use Klara. On the patient’s part too, this application is widely popular. One of the great things about Klara is that it caters to many healthcare specialties. Due to this, it is one of the best HIPAA compliant applications. Not just a texting app, Klara also features video chats and remote monitoring.

Core Features	Works best on all devices Scheduling and Tracking Send and Receive Messages with HIPAA Compliant norms. Ask inquiries and check reviews via the texting app
User Experience	Users feel that Klara is super easy to use.  The tabs and features are easily navigable in this HIPAA Chat application.  Moreover, the patients can also fill in forms and input other information prior to appointment. More importantly, messaging from here is easy, we get all the receipts, and converse easily.
Cost	At present, the pricing information of this Healthcare app is not available.  However, you can get a free demo after submitting a request on the website.

• Backline: Backline is another top of the line healthcare messaging solution for patients and doctors. This app has great communication tools and features. Users can also create groups and see delivery status.

Core Features	Encrypted Messaging Send Multimedia files through the app Built-in Filters for advanced Healthcare services search
User Experience	As per the user experience, Backline is similar to any other messaging app.  But, it is secure and HIPAA Compliant.  This makes the users feel safe and comfortable sharing their personal information with the doctors.
Cost	Backline offers a demo that you can fill Dr. First’s official website.  The pricing structure of this HIPAA compliant messaging app is not available.  However, you can get the price after consulting with the organization directly.

• Luma Health: Luma Health targets complete patient-doctor engagement with its messaging app. The app is simple yet packs a great buffet of features and solutions. Moreover, we have seen improvements in access and communication in healthcare provision with it.  

Core Features	Automated Patient Communication Prompting and Actionable Reminders Helps fulfill health goals
User Experience	One particular aspect which users like is easy access the best HIPAA Compliant texting app allows.  Patients love automated responses and doctors save time with this aspect.
Cost	For Pricing, you need to consult directly with the Luma Health team.  The total price depends on usage.  Apart from being the best app for HIPAA compliant texting, Luma Health has multifaceted features for your benefit.

• Health Engage: Health Engage is a unique and HIPAA compliant healthcare app. One of the unique aspects of this application is that it offers a live chat option. Patients can get information from chatbots. 

Core Features	A messaging app with a live chat feature Embedded with modern tools and functions Provides more intuitive patient experience
User Experience	On the patient’s part, Health Engage helps them connect with their caregivers without any interruptions.  Another feature is the live HIPAA chat that further speeds up the whole process.
Cost	There are three plans that you can choose from for this HIPAA compliant Chat app.  Essential, Professional, and Enterprise.  At $26 per month, Essential provides access for 3 users minimum. The Professional Plan will cost $36 per month and offers 3 users only.  But it adds to the functionalities and takes the whole practice to the next level. Lastly, for bigger enterprises and healthcare organizations, this messaging app will cost $50/month.  All the plans of this HIPAA compliant messaging app are billed annually.

• Brosix: allows medical teams to collaborate effectively and securely, keeping medical teams regulation-compliant and protecting patients’ rights. With its top-notch communication encryption system and customized service agreement, Brosix is every medical team’s dream collaboration tool.

Core Features:	Chat rooms, broadcast messages, whiteboards, audio and video calls, to aid team brainstorming. HIPAA compliant, all communication is encrypted, blocking third-party interference. Anti-virus software integration is enabled, adding an extra layer of protection to data.
User Experience	Clean and user-friendly interface. Multi-level access set-up is available for admins in settings.  Automatic configuration and maintenance, saving time and aiding usability. Round-the-clock tech support.
Cost	Free for up to three users. $4.00 for unlimited user accounts. $6.00 for full administrative control over user accounts. A demo request option is available.

Top Healthcare Messaging Apps for Medical Professionals

For medical professionals, the HIPAA Compliant messaging mobile applications are a bit different. Although they have all the functions of any other messaging app. The difference lies in how they can help the professionals manage their work. So, here are our top 5 recommendations for the doctors and other healthcare staff. 

• TigerText Essentials: This is one of the most reliable and widely used apps by medical professionals. The fact that it is easy to use and packed with plenty of features is favorable. Added to this, it is fully HIPAA compliant and secure. 

Core Features	Helps communicate with the team efficiently HITRUST Certified HIPAA app Different types of chat options (Broadcast, 1 to 1, and Group)
User Experience	Users love the app’s intuitiveness and smart features of this messaging app.  It provides confirmation ticks, and prompts when the other user is typing.  Further, communicating via HIPAA compliant chat with fellow employees and staff is also great.
Cost	TigerText caters to more than 6000 healthcare professionals and teams.  The cost, however, is not available upfront. As a user, you will have to contact the team and get a demo.  After explaining your requirements, you can use a trial version. The final cost depends on usage.

• Zinc: Zinc has a great customer base. One of the best HIPAA compliant texting app, Zinc has some great features. It enables employee and staff communication with efficient healthcare messaging app features. Be it 1 to 1 messaging or a group chat, Zinc can handle it. Further, it is widely popular among a medical team of people from diverse backgrounds. And yes, Zinc is HIPAA compliant. 

Core Features	Create Ad-Hoc Groups for deliberating over some specific topics. You can search for previous information from chats.  It allows users to have voice and video Chat.  A hands-free feature that reads out the messages and has a one-click voice response.  Fully Compliant with HIPAA Guidelines
User Experience	The best part is that a user can easily provide and restrict access to the employees.  This helps in better management. A user can also track the sent messages on this HIPAA Chat app.
Cost	Zinc is a product of Service Max.  The pricing structure for this HIPAA compliant application is not available. For that, you need to make contact and have a discussion with the Zinc team. Only to know more about the messaging app.  The pricing is set as per the need and usage of the HIPAA Compliant messaging app.  Apart from being a messenger, Zinc also has several proactive features for hospital work management.  So, the final price will depend on the inclusion of services and features.

• Qliq: Qlip allows doctors and nurses to communicate with each other efficiently. Since the interface is similar to other healthcare messaging apps, the learning curve is flat. Further, you can use it on any mobile device and desktop.

Core Features	Enhances Team Collaboration with smart features. It is HIPAA Compliant. So you can share Media files with individuals and in groups securely. Scheduling and patient coordination offer greater usage of this messaging app. Qliq is built on the Bring your own device model.
User Experience	We can chat security with HIPAA compliance and measures.  Apart from the security aspect, Qliq has sort of recalibrated our team to perform better.  With this HIPAA Compliant messaging app, everything seems under control.  It is like working from a single window and handling all the tasks from the mobile phone.
Cost	Since this is a healthcare messaging portal with many other functions the price depends. It is subject to various functions and features that you want to use in the app.  To get a quote you need to fill a form on the website and discuss things with the team.

• Notifyd: With Notifyd, there are no miscommunications and no lags. You can call it the best HIPAA compliant application. Along with being a texting app due to its numerous features. First of all, Notifyd is secure. Moreover, you can also integrate it with other third-party applications.

Core Features:	It can connect with other smart health-based applications.  Helps the nurses in healthcare institutions to manage day’s work from their mobile. They can do messaging and communicate through the app. Takes care of scheduling and organizing the daily work of doctors and physicians.
User Experience	What is particularly important is that the Notifyd app perfectly fits with our existing EHR system.  Not only the hospital staff, the stakeholders, and non-medical partners can also use Notifyd securely with HIPAA. This ensures a perfect flow of information across all the channels via chat.
Cost	An yearly subscription of Notifyd will cost you $315.  For a monthly subscription of this Healthcare messaging app, the total cost will come out to be $350 per annum.  Both of these plans are applicable to a single branch.  Lastly, if you want an Enterprise Solution of a HIPAA compliant app for messaging, you need to contact the Notifyd team.

• Spok: Spok does one commendable thing. It allows you to integrate all the information present on other platforms into the texting app. It can be the directory info, EHR records, schedules, among others. So, as a user, you can get everything on your mobile. This is with the added functionalities of the app built in the best HIPAA compliant solution.

Core Features	A unified interface window lists all the daily activities. Connects with all the devices at once, sorting them all on one device.  One of the best HIPAA compliant texting app interfaces ensuring security.
User experience	Spok HIPAA Compliant healthcare app allows hospital management to increase their efficiency.  Works with best HIPAA norms and is fully compliant with other guidelines. With an enhancement in patient management, the results are better. Further, it is one of the easiest texting app platforms to set up and implement.  Security is fortified with the best HIPAA compliant guidelines and rules. It is really assuring that no third party can gain access to the app endangering privacy.
Cost	The total cost of using the Spok HIPAA Chat and texting app depends on your requirements.  To know about this messaging app price, you may need to consult with the sales team at Spok. You can also request a demo from them to get a better idea of how the healthcare chat app works in real-time

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Want to Build Your Own HIPAA-Compliant App?

While the HIPAA-compliant messaging apps listed above are great options, every hospital has unique requirements. Having a custom-made healthcare messaging platform is the most beneficial option.

With extensive experience developing customized HIPAA-compliant messaging apps, we can help – whether you need a simple messaging app or complex, sophisticated software.

Contact us today for a free consultation on getting your dream HIPAA-compliant texting app built.

Let’s take your healthcare organization to the next level!