For healthcare providers and organizations, finding the right HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms that are also easy to use can be a challenge.

Ensuring the security of patient data and the flexibility to meet different practice needs are critical factors when choosing a platform.

Here’s what we cover in this article:

• Key security features every HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform must have.
• How to choose a platform that integrates smoothly with your practice.
• The top telehealth platforms available and how they serve various healthcare needs.
• Why Blaze is a standout option for telehealth, balancing ease of use with enterprise-level security.

What Is a HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Platform?

A HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform enables healthcare providers to deliver remote care while securely managing patient information. These platforms facilitate virtual consultations, secure messaging, and data sharing, all while adhering to strict regulations that protect patient privacy.

The goal is to ensure that sensitive health information remains safe, whether it’s shared during a video visit or stored in the cloud. By meeting HIPAA standards, these platforms allow healthcare providers to expand their reach and offer flexible care options without compromising the security and confidentiality of patient data.

Key Features of HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Platforms

While many features can improve telehealth platforms, these represent the core, must-have elements for ensuring HIPAA compliance:

• Data encryption: HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms use robust encryption methods to protect sensitive health information, both during transmission and while stored. This dual layer of encryption ensures that patient data remains secure against unauthorized access at all times, whether it’s being shared during a video consultation or saved in the cloud.
  
  
• Secure communication: These platforms offer encrypted video conferencing and chat functionalities, which are essential for protecting patient-provider interactions. By encrypting these communications end-to-end, the platform ensures that sensitive discussions remain private, meeting the strict confidentiality standards required by HIPAA.
  
  
• Access control: Role-based access control is implemented to limit who can view or edit patient information based on their role within the organization. This feature allows administrators to set permissions that align with each staff member’s responsibilities, ensuring that only those who need access to patient data can obtain it, which helps maintain privacy and security.
  
  
• Audit trails: A comprehensive audit trail records every instance of data access or modification, detailing who interacted with patient information and what changes were made. This is critical for HIPAA compliance, as it provides a transparent log that can be reviewed for accountability and to verify adherence to privacy protocols.
  
  
• Cloud security: HIPAA-compliant platforms offer secure, compliant cloud storage for patient records, protecting against potential data breaches. This ensures that sensitive health information remains safe and is stored according to stringent security standards, making it readily accessible to authorized users while maintaining full compliance.

The 14 Best HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Platforms in 2024

This list will help you figure out what telehealth platforms are HIPAA compliant, along with their features and reviews.

1. Blaze.tech

Blaze.tech is a powerful no-code platform designed to streamline application development for organizations, especially in sectors like healthcare and finance that require stringent security and compliance.

By removing the need for traditional coding, Blaze enables users to build complex, custom applications quickly and efficiently. It’s the best option for healthcare providers looking to build a secure, user-friendly telehealth solution that seamlessly integrates with their existing workflows.

Why it’s great: Blaze truly excels by combining speed, security, and ease of use. Its no-code environment allows users to develop applications up to ten times faster than traditional platforms. It is particularly valuable for healthcare providers who need to implement telehealth solutions quickly.

Blaze’s drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, making it accessible even to those without technical backgrounds.

Blaze fits into a variety of operational needs. Its advanced workflow automation also enhances productivity by allowing teams to set up sophisticated business processes without writing a single line of code.

2. Doxy.me

Doxy.me is a straightforward, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform designed for ease of use. It enables secure video conferencing without the need for app downloads, which makes it highly accessible for patients.

The platform’s simplicity extends to its intuitive interface, which requires little technical knowledge from either patients or providers.

Why it’s great: Doxy.me’s no-download setup means that providers can quickly connect with patients, making it ideal for practices that need a user-friendly solution.

While some users feel its screen-sharing features could be improved, the platform’s ease of use and HIPAA compliance make it a good option for telehealth.

3. VSee

VSee is a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that excels in low-bandwidth environments, which is beneficial for rural or remote areas.

It supports secure video conferencing and screen sharing, allowing both group and one-on-one sessions. VSee is built to deliver quality video calls even when internet connectivity is limited.

Why it’s great: VSee’s robust performance in low-bandwidth conditions makes it a great fit for providers with patients in areas with unreliable internet. It offers a reliable and secure telehealth experience, with additional features like group consultations and chat options.

While some users have noted the extra costs for certain features, VSee’s consistent video quality makes it a dependable choice for practices that prioritize connection stability.

4. Zoom for Healthcare

Zoom for Healthcare provides a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth solution with encrypted video conferencing. The platform is widely known for its reliability and includes features like screen sharing and whiteboarding, which support collaborative sessions between healthcare providers and patients.

Why it’s great: Zoom’s reputation as a reliable video conferencing tool carries over to its healthcare version, making it a trusted choice for larger practices and hospitals. Its strong security framework and high-quality video support effective remote consultations.

While it can be resource-heavy, especially on older devices, Zoom for Healthcare remains a good option for practices that need a versatile and well-known platform.

5. SimplePractice

SimplePractice is a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that goes beyond video conferencing, offering comprehensive client management tools. It includes scheduling, billing integration, and client documentation, making it a versatile solution for mental health professionals.

Why it’s great: SimplePractice provides an all-in-one platform tailored for therapists and counselors. The seamless integration of billing and scheduling features means that practitioners can manage client appointments, documentation, and invoicing from a single interface.

This combination of features streamlines operations, making it especially beneficial for solo practitioners and small clinics looking to simplify their administrative tasks.

However, some find the pricing high, especially when key features like Google Calendar integration require the highest-tier plan.

6. TheraNest

TheraNest is a HIPAA-compliant platform that combines secure video conferencing with Electronic Health Record (EHR) integration. It also supports features like client documentation, scheduling, and billing, specifically designed with mental health practitioners in mind.

Why it’s great: TheraNest stands out for its focus on mental health practices, offering tools that simplify record-keeping and client management. Its EHR integration makes it easy for practitioners to store and access client data securely.

With telehealth capabilities and integrated scheduling, TheraNest ensures that therapists can manage their practice efficiently while maintaining HIPAA compliance, making it an ideal choice for mental health professionals.

On the downside, some users mention that the platform lacks certain functions needed for larger practices, and the cost can add up to extra charges for services like text reminders.

7. Updox

Updox provides a HIPAA-compliant communication platform that supports secure messaging and video chat, and integrates with email and text messaging. This suite of tools makes it easy to maintain secure communication across multiple channels.

Why it’s great: Updox excels as a versatile communication solution for healthcare providers. Its integration of video, email, and text messaging allows for flexible patient interactions and follow-ups.

This multi-channel approach helps practices maintain consistent, secure communication, which is crucial for patient engagement and satisfaction. Updox is particularly suitable for practices that need to coordinate care across various channels while ensuring data security.

However, users have pointed out issues with technical reliability, especially for form submissions, and have raised concerns about the rigidity of contract terms.

8. Medici

Medici offers a secure, concierge service-based platform that includes text, audio, and video communication. This flexibility allows providers to choose the most suitable method for each patient interaction, which can improve engagement and convenience.

Why it’s great: Medici stands out for its versatile communication options, which help healthcare providers tailor interactions to meet patient preferences.

The platform’s emphasis on secure messaging and multimedia communication makes it a solid choice for practices that want to maintain HIPAA compliance while offering multiple ways for patients to connect with their providers. This versatility is especially valuable for ongoing patient engagement outside of traditional video visits.

While Medici provides versatile communication options, some users find it inconvenient that consult texts can't be directly imported into their EMR, requiring manual cut-and-paste.

9. Amwell

Amwell offers a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform tailored to healthcare providers operating in a hybrid care model. The Amwell Converge platform integrates in-person clinic data with remote patient interactions, providing an all-encompassing view of patient care.

Why it’s great: Amwell is an excellent choice for healthcare providers who need a solution that supports both in-person and remote visits. Its focus on compliance ensures that all patient data is securely managed across both environments, making it easier for providers to maintain continuity of care.

However, some feel it could integrate more seamlessly with electronic medical records (EMRs) and support additional data sources, like fitness trackers, to provide a more comprehensive patient overview.

10. athenaONE

athenaONE is an all-in-one HIPAA-compliant platform that combines electronic health records (EHR), revenue management, and patient engagement into one cohesive system. The platform also allows providers to connect with consultants and other healthcare professionals through a third-party marketplace.

Why it’s great: For healthcare providers seeking a comprehensive solution, athenaONE’s integration of EHR, billing, and patient engagement tools makes it a powerful choice. This interconnected approach simplifies practice management and enhances patient care by keeping all essential functions within a single platform.

Its marketplace access further expands its functionality, offering providers the flexibility to consult with a broad network of professionals.

athenaONE’s ability to display notes from other providers is useful for continuity of care. Still, some users find the system cumbersome, with complex workflows that make tasks like completing notes and processing check-ins more time-consuming. 

11. Doximity

Doximity provides a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform focused on secure messaging and video call scheduling. It works seamlessly on smartphones without requiring app downloads, which adds convenience for both providers and patients.

Why it’s great: Doximity is an ideal option for smaller practices that prioritize secure communication with patients and colleagues.

While it may lack some of the advanced practice management features of larger platforms, it excels at delivering straightforward and compliant telehealth services. Its no-download setup is particularly user-friendly, making it easy for providers to connect with patients on any device.

Some users, however, note that connection quality can vary depending on Wi-Fi or data coverage, which may affect the overall experience.

12. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting offers a secure, HIPAA-compliant telemedicine solution that supports video calls, chats, and phone calls through a cloud-based platform. Its on-the-go functionality allows providers and patients to connect from virtually anywhere.

Why it’s great: GoToMeeting is a versatile choice for healthcare providers looking for a reliable telehealth platform with comprehensive meeting tools. Its secure cloud system is ideal for providers who need flexibility in how they communicate with patients, supporting both video and audio calls.

This makes it a convenient solution for practices that require a mobile-friendly, compliant option.

On the flip side, some users report difficulties with sign-in processes and navigating basic functions, which can hinder smooth meetings.

13. Healthie

Healthie provides a HIPAA-compliant platform with features like messaging, scheduling, data management, and patient portals. It also includes workflow automation to streamline billing, insurance management, and care planning within a single system.

Why it’s great: Healthie’s all-in-one approach is perfect for practices that want to manage multiple aspects of patient care on one platform. Its automation capabilities help reduce administrative tasks, allowing providers to focus more on patient interactions.

The integrated patient portal also improves engagement by giving patients easy access to their health information and care plans.

However, the platform receives criticism for its aggressive pricing and limited support, with users reporting issues like insufficient customization options and poor troubleshooting experiences that can lead to provider frustration.

14. Kareo

Kareo supports HIPAA-compliant telehealth with features like video conferencing for up to 100 participants, EHR integration, and practice management. It includes tools for patient scheduling, virtual waiting rooms, and customizable links for easy access.

Why it’s great: Kareo is particularly well-suited for practices that handle a high volume of patient interactions. Its ability to manage large group meetings and integrate EHR with practice management tools helps streamline both clinical and administrative tasks.

While Kareo offers a range of telehealth tools, some users find the messaging system cumbersome, as it requires viewing all communications, not just those relevant to their cases.

How To Choose the Right HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Platform

Selecting the right HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform means prioritizing key features that enhance security, usability, and adaptability.

Here are some important factors to consider:

• Security features: Look for platforms with end-to-end encryption and secure cloud storage to ensure that all patient data is well-protected. This is essential for maintaining compliance and safeguarding sensitive information during virtual care.
  
  
• Ease of use: A user-friendly interface benefits both healthcare providers and patients. Choose a platform that simplifies navigation and makes remote consultations easy so that patients can access care seamlessly and providers can focus on delivering quality service.
  
  
• Integration capabilities: Telehealth platforms that integrate with existing EHR systems help streamline operations by keeping all patient information in one place. This minimizes disruptions to your workflow and allows for a smoother transition between in-person and remote care.
  
  
• Customization: Practices have different needs, so a telehealth platform should offer customizable features that allow you to tailor the experience to your specific requirements. Whether it’s customizing the user interface or setting up specific workflows, flexibility is key.
  
  
• Support and scalability: As your practice grows, your telehealth platform should be able to grow with you. Look for platforms that provide reliable customer support and can scale to accommodate more users, ensuring that you always have the resources needed to support your patients effectively.

Choose Blaze For a HIPAA Compliant Telehealth Platform

Blaze stands out as an ideal telehealth platform thanks to its balance of comprehensive features, intuitive design, and scalability. It’s built to support both small practices and large healthcare organizations, offering secure data management and customizable options that adapt to various needs.

While Blaze provides advanced security and ease of use that suits solo practitioners, it also scales seamlessly for larger organizations needing robust infrastructure and enterprise-level compliance.

Each HIPAA-compliant platform on this list has unique strengths, making it possible for healthcare providers to find one that aligns with their specific practice size, specialty, and patient care requirements.

A key advantage of Blaze is its implementation team, which assists in building the initial version of your app. This support significantly reduces the learning curve and time to market, making it a valuable asset for businesses aiming to quickly develop and deploy custom applications without extensive in-house technical resources.

To see how Blaze can address your specific needs, we recommend trying a free demo. This will give you a firsthand look at how Blaze's features and flexibility can benefit your project.

Schedule a Free Demo Today.