When it comes to healthcare, maintaining HIPAA compliance is essential for protecting patient information. HIPAA-compliant scheduling software ensures that patient appointments, reminders, and communications are secure and handled in a way that meets the stringent privacy standards of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). These tools help healthcare providers manage appointments, improve patient communication, and streamline workflows—all while safeguarding sensitive patient data.
Here’s a list of some of the best HIPAA-compliant scheduling software options available in 2024:
1. Simple Practice
Simple Practice is a comprehensive HIPAA-compliant platform that includes appointment scheduling, telehealth, billing, and secure messaging. It’s designed for mental health professionals, private practices, and allied health professionals.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- Encrypted Communication: Secure messaging and video sessions.
- Access Controls: Role-based access for patient data.
- BAA: Provides a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to ensure compliance.
Features:
- Appointment scheduling and reminders.
- Secure client portal for scheduling and messaging.
- Electronic health record (EHR) integration for seamless documentation.
Learn more about SimplePractice
2. Thera Nest
TheraNest offers scheduling, billing, telehealth, and documentation tools specifically tailored for behavioral health practices. Its HIPAA-compliant infrastructure protects patient data during scheduling and communication.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- Data Encryption: Ensures data remains secure both in transit and at rest.
- Role-Based Access: Only authorized users have access to sensitive data.
- BAA: Available for all paid accounts to guarantee compliance.
Features:
- Automated appointment reminders via email, text, and phone.
- User-friendly scheduling calendar with recurring appointment options.
- Telehealth for secure video appointments.
3. Jane App
Jane App is a HIPAA-compliant software designed for managing appointments, charting, billing, and online booking for various healthcare disciplines. It’s particularly popular with physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- Encryption Standards: Fully encrypted patient records and communications.
- Audit Logs: Tracks changes and access to patient information.
- BAA: Available for all healthcare users upon request.
Features:
- Online booking and automated reminders.
- Charting and note-taking directly integrated with appointments.
- Customizable scheduling for multiple practitioners and services.
4. TheraPlatform
TheraPlatform is a HIPAA-compliant scheduling and practice management software created for mental health and therapy practices. It offers scheduling, secure messaging, and telehealth features.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- Secure Communication: All communication is encrypted and stored securely.
- User Access Control: Ensures only authorized users have access to sensitive information.
- BAA: Provided for HIPAA compliance.
Features:
- Appointment scheduling with automated reminders.
- Video telehealth sessions with screen sharing.
- Document storage and secure messaging for patient communication.
Learn more about TheraPlatform
5. Acuity Scheduling (Enterprise Version)
Acuity Scheduling is a powerful scheduling software that is HIPAA-compliant at the Enterprise level, making it ideal for larger healthcare practices or clinics that need robust scheduling tools.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- HIPAA-Compliant Tier: Only the Enterprise version of Acuity offers HIPAA compliance.
- Data Encryption: Ensures patient information is protected in transit and at rest.
- BAA: Available for Enterprise clients to ensure HIPAA compliance.
Features:
- Customizable booking pages for different practitioners and services.
- Appointment reminders via email and text.
- Integrates with various EHR and billing systems for seamless workflows.
Learn more about Acuity Scheduling
6. OnCall Health
OnCall Health is a HIPAA-compliant telehealth and scheduling platform designed for mental health and wellness practices. It includes scheduling, telehealth, and secure messaging tools for both individual providers and clinics.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- End-to-End Encryption: All video calls and communications are fully encrypted.
- Access Control: Only authorized users can access sensitive information.
- BAA: Provided to all healthcare clients to ensure compliance.
Features:
- Secure scheduling and patient portal.
- Integrated telehealth with customizable waiting rooms.
- Patient reminders and secure messaging.
Learn more about OnCall Health
7. DrChrono
DrChrono is a HIPAA-compliant platform combining EHR, practice management, and scheduling for medical practices. It’s designed for healthcare providers looking for an all-in-one solution for managing patient records, billing, and appointments.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- Data Encryption: Protects patient information at all times.
- Role-Based Access Control: Ensures only authorized users have access to patient data.
- BAA: Provided for all users to maintain HIPAA compliance.
Features:
- Patient self-scheduling with reminders.
- Integrates with EHR, telehealth, and billing functions.
- Customizable scheduling based on provider availability.
8. Kareo
Kareo is a HIPAA-compliant practice management solution with scheduling, billing, and patient engagement features. It’s specifically designed for independent practices and includes a wide range of healthcare management tools.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- HIPAA Encryption Standards: Secure data storage and transmission.
- Access Control: Limits access to patient data based on user role.
- BAA: Provided to users to ensure compliance.
Features:
- Patient scheduling with automated reminders.
- EHR integration and patient documentation.
- Patient engagement tools like secure messaging.
9. Simple Interact
Simple Interact offers HIPAA-compliant scheduling, patient engagement, and feedback tools tailored for healthcare providers. It simplifies the patient appointment process with online booking and automated reminders.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- Data Encryption and Security Standards: Protects patient information at all stages.
- Role-Based Permissions: Provides controlled access to sensitive data.
- BAA: Available for HIPAA compliance.
Features:
- Online scheduling with automated appointment reminders.
- Patient check-in, intake forms, and feedback tools.
- Customizable booking pages to match your practice.
Learn more about Simple Interact
10. 10to8 (HIPAA-Compliant Version)
10to8 is a scheduling tool with a HIPAA-compliant version that caters to healthcare providers, allowing for secure appointment scheduling and automated reminders. It’s ideal for small to medium practices looking for customizable booking options.
Why it’s HIPAA-compliant:
- Data Encryption: Ensures patient data is protected.
- HIPAA-Compliant Tier: Only specific tiers offer HIPAA compliance.
- BAA: Provided to healthcare clients to ensure compliance.
Features:
- Automated appointment reminders via email and text.
- Two-way calendar sync with EHRs.
- Patient self-scheduling and appointment management.
Conclusion:
Finding the right HIPAA-compliant scheduling software depends on the needs of your practice, the number of users, and your preferred features. Options like SimplePractice and TheraNest offer great all-in-one solutions for behavioral health, while DrChrono and Kareo integrate EHR and scheduling for a more complete healthcare management experience.
For telehealth and patient engagement, OnCall Health and 10to8 offer reliable, HIPAA-compliant scheduling with patient-friendly interfaces. No matter the software, ensuring HIPAA compliance will help keep your practice secure and your patients’ information protected.
