Ensuring the privacy and security of Protected Health Information (PHI) is a top priority for healthcare providers. A HIPAA-compliant phone service helps keep sensitive patient data secure through encryption, signed Business Associate Agreements (BAAs), and robust access controls. Below, we’ll explore some of the best HIPAA-compliant phone services, their features, pricing, and ease of use.
Not all phone services meet HIPAA requirements. While many VoIP and cloud-based phone solutions offer encryption and security features, it’s essential to confirm whether they can sign a BAA and provide the specific safeguards mandated by HIPAA. Always consult with the provider’s sales or support team to confirm the availability of HIPAA-compliant features and verify any additional costs or plan requirements.
Pricing: Standard RingCentral plans start around $20–$40 per user per month (billed annually), depending on included features. For HIPAA compliance, there may be additional fees or requirements, so it’s best to work closely with RingCentral sales for accurate pricing.
Ease of Use: RingCentral comes with a modern, intuitive interface that most teams can adopt quickly. The admin portal offers straightforward controls for call routing, voicemail, and messaging. Both desktop and mobile apps are simple to set up, making it easy to keep your team connected.
HIPAA Security: RingCentral offers a HIPAA-compliant version of its service that includes a BAA. It provides encryption for both voice and data (at rest and in transit), as well as access controls, audit logs, and role-based permissions to protect patient information.
Pricing: Basic Nextiva plans range from about $18–$35 per user per month, depending on contract length and features. For HIPAA compliance, be sure to discuss your specific needs with the Nextiva sales team to determine if there are added costs.
Ease of Use: Nextiva’s platform is praised for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set. The Nextiva desktop and mobile apps are streamlined for quick adoption, offering call transferring, conferencing, and voicemail-to-email. The admin dashboard makes managing multiple extensions and users relatively simple.
HIPAA Security: Nextiva provides HIPAA-compliant solutions, including a signed BAA for eligible business plans. Security features include advanced encryption for calls and messaging, secure data centers, and regular security audits. Admin tools allow role-based permissions and detailed usage tracking.
Pricing: Vonage’s business plans usually start around $20–$40 per user per month. HIPAA-compliant configurations may require extra fees or customization—consult Vonage’s sales team for precise details.
Ease of Use: Vonage Business offers a clean, straightforward user interface with features like visual voicemail, call routing, and call recording. It integrates smoothly with various CRM and productivity tools. The mobile and desktop apps are easy to set up, and daily use is typically intuitive.
HIPAA Security: Vonage can sign a BAA and supports HIPAA-compliant solutions for healthcare organizations. Security measures include data encryption at rest and in transit, secure data centers, and robust access controls. Additional features like secure messaging help protect PHI.
Pricing: 8x8 pricing typically starts around $28–$44 per user per month, depending on the service tier (Express, X2, X4, etc.). HIPAA compliance might necessitate an upgraded plan or added contractual terms.
Ease of Use: 8x8 offers a user-friendly, cloud-based phone and unified communications platform. Its comprehensive admin portal makes it simple to manage users, call flows, and auto attendants. The mobile app is straightforward to install and supports on-the-go staff communications.
HIPAA Security: 8x8 signs BAAs for organizations requiring HIPAA compliance. The platform uses end-to-end encryption for supported features, secure data centers, and role-based access to safeguard PHI. Detailed logs and reporting tools facilitate compliance auditing.
Pricing: Dialpad’s standard business plans start around $15–$25 per user per month. A HIPAA-compliant plan with a BAA may involve additional costs or customizations—contact Dialpad’s sales team for specific details.
Ease of Use: Dialpad excels with its modern design and AI-powered call transcription, which can help with documenting calls. Setting up users and call flows is quite straightforward via the web-based admin portal. The mobile and desktop apps are often praised for their simplicity and smooth performance.
HIPAA Security: Dialpad can be configured for HIPAA compliance through a signed BAA. It offers call encryption, secure storage, and administrator access controls. Thorough documentation supports best practices for maintaining compliance within the platform.
Pricing: Mango Voice typically charges around $20–$30 per user per month. Plans that include HIPAA compliance may require higher-tier services or special arrangements.
Ease of Use: Mango Voice emphasizes simplicity for both end-users and administrators. It features call recording, voicemail transcription, and an intuitive dashboard for managing extensions and call flows. The platform’s guided tutorials and supportive onboarding team help get you up and running quickly.
HIPAA Security: Mango Voice offers HIPAA-compliant plans that include a signed BAA. Voice and messaging data are encrypted, and voicemail/call data is stored securely. Detailed logging and role-based access controls help maintain an audit trail to support compliance.
Pricing: RingRx plans generally start around $19–$25 per user per month, varying with the number of users and features. You can also add specialized services like secure fax or appointment reminders based on your specific needs.
Ease of Use: RingRx is built specifically for healthcare settings, with features tailored to clinics and private practices. Healthcare-focused support representatives guide you through setup, ensuring a smooth adoption process. Its administration console is designed for quick onboarding and extension management.
HIPAA Security: Designed with healthcare providers in mind, RingRx includes HIPAA-compliant processes and technology by default. The service uses encryption, secure data centers, and granular access controls. A BAA is standard, along with built-in compliance tools like secure messaging.
Confirm BAA Availability: Ensure the provider will sign a BAA, as this is critical for HIPAA compliance.
Check Security Features: Look for robust encryption (both in transit and at rest), secure data centers, and strong access controls.
Evaluate Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface and intuitive setup process can save time and reduce errors.
Review Pricing: Compare costs across providers, including any additional fees required for HIPAA compliance.
Assess Scalability: As your practice grows, your phone service should be able to expand without compromising performance or security.
While secure phone communications are crucial, many healthcare organizations still rely on faxing for certain types of documentation. If you need to complement your digital communication channels with a secure fax solution, Fax.plus offers a HIPAA-compliant fax service. With encryption, secure storage, and a BAA, Fax.plus helps you handle sensitive patient information safely over fax.
Create an account to save time and money by sending free faxes from a computer or mobile to anywhere in the world.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only, and Fax.Plus cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or accurate. This is not intended to be legal advice and should not be a substitute for professional legal advice. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal questions.