6 secure healthcare messaging apps

Healthcare messaging apps offer healthcare providers and patients a convenient communication channel. When a provider chooses an app, it’s important not only to consider typical features and performance but also whether the app helps you comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

HIPAA establishes rules that ensure the proper and responsible handling of protected health information (PHI). If healthcare organizations want to use messaging apps, they must make sure those apps are HIPAA-friendly.

A secure messaging platform allows patients, doctors, and nurses to share PHI securely and privately without violating HIPAA. This makes for a more efficient workflow for the provider and helps patients get important information and updates promptly.

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Top secure messaging apps

If you’re considering a new messaging app for your healthcare-based business, consider the following messaging solutions to enable HIPAA compliance.

Klara

Klara might be one of the most versatile solutions for secure text messaging — it pairs well with many different healthcare specialties. Secure messaging and video visits streamline healthcare for patients, and patients don’t have to log in or download an app to use these features.

In addition to secure text messaging, Klara offers many other features that make it a valuable addition to most practices. Patients can book their own appointments online via mobile phone, receive SMS appointment reminders and pre-visit instructions, provide intake and insurance information before an appointment, and more.

Klara is also capable of sending patient follow-ups for enhanced care coordination.

TigerConnect

TigerConnect is a secure messaging app and collaboration platform for patients and providers. It features both a mobile and a desktop app so clinicians and healthcare teams can send text messages from a mobile device or computer.

This messaging solution has two major benefits: If you send a text to the wrong recipient, you can recall it, and all messages self-destruct after a certain amount of time. Plus, all text messages are encrypted.

This messaging solution integrates with programs like OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box. TigerConnect has complete confidence in the security of its platform — and backs it up with a $1 million guarantee.

Backline

Backline is secure and HIPAA-friendly, offering encrypted messaging and the ability for healthcare providers to send multimedia files — including photos and videos — through the app.

Available for iPhone and Android phones as well as web-based desktops, Backline features private chats, group chats, and patient-centered chats. Real-time delivery status indicators and time stamps help you monitor progress and ensure message delivery.

HealthEngage

HealthEngage features HIPAA-friendly live chat, SMS mobile messaging, and chatbot functions to help you improve engagement with patients. The secure texting enhances the care you give your patients and improves their satisfaction.

HealthEngage features data security, encryption, and audit logs. All of these healthcare communication options can help streamline clinical workflows and keep patients connected to your practice.

WELL

WELL is designed to help facilitate communication between patients and doctors, and it does that in numerous ways.

Doctors can send text messages, call their patients, communicate through live chats, or send emails. All of these features are HIPAA-friendly. This texting app syncs with your EHR in real time and sends patients automated appointment reminders.

In addition to delivering solutions for primary care and patient communication, WELL can support patient communication related to IT, the patient experience, home health, and more. WELL also hosts an ROI calculator on its site, making it easy for healthcare systems to gauge the value the app can provide.

Qliq

Qliq is designed for communication among members of healthcare teams and their patients. It’s equipped with a wide array of features that help everyone stay connected. Custom quick messages, group and broadcast messaging, presence status settings, and escalated call notifications streamline communication.

This solution that helps with HIPAA compliance is more than a messaging app, though. It features one-click video engagement as well as the ability to send patients post-visit surveys that they can sign electronically.

Quincy, a care-specific chatbot, is customizable and can easily engage with thousands of patients.

Qliq even features on-call scheduling for faster, easier, more effective staffing.

Choosing the right secure healthcare messaging app

A secure healthcare messaging app can streamline patient communication and care. You might consider pairing one of these apps with Jotform, a HIPAA-friendly form builder. Jotform allows you to customize forms to collect patient information and data, beginning with online intake forms.

Deciding which option is right for you will depend on your organization’s needs and how you plan to use the app. These messaging apps are available at a wide range of price points, but when you’re weighing an app’s value, it’s also important to consider the staff time the app could save. Used strategically, many of these apps can pay for themselves when it comes to increased staff productivity and greater patient satisfaction.

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