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Key Takeaways: Zoom and HIPAA Compliance
- Zoom can be HIPAA compliant, but only when using Zoom for Healthcare with a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
- Security features like end-to-end encryption, user authentication, and access controls are required.
- HIPAA compliance is a shared responsibility—organizations must properly configure Zoom and train staff.
- Zoom has experienced security breaches in the past, so caution is still warranted.
- Platforms like OhMD offer HIPAA-compliant video visits, secure messaging, and simpler setup for providers.
Zoom has become one of the most widely used video conferencing platforms, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. But for healthcare providers, the question remains: Is Zoom HIPAA compliant?
In this article, we break down Zoom’s compliance capabilities, the responsibilities of healthcare organizations, and how Zoom compares to other HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms like OhMD.
What Is Zoom and Why Is It Used in Healthcare?
Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing and collaboration tool that supports video meetings, file sharing, chat, and webinar hosting. It exploded in popularity during the pandemic and is now used across industries—including healthcare—for internal meetings, provider consultations, and even patient care.
Overview of Zoom’s core features
Zoom supports real-time video, chat, screen sharing, automatic transcription, and device compatibility across platforms. These features make it attractive for healthcare settings, especially when remote care or collaboration is needed.
How healthcare organizations use Zoom
Many providers use Zoom to consult with other physicians, conduct patient follow-ups, or hold administrative meetings. But healthcare organizations can’t just use the standard Zoom platform—they must upgrade to a version designed with HIPAA compliance in mind.
Introduction to Zoom Team Chat
Zoom Team Chat allows users to send real-time, text-based messages in and out of meetings. While convenient, it poses risk unless protected by robust access controls, encryption, and data retention policies, all of which are required under HIPAA for any communication involving PHI.
HIPAA Compliant Telehealth Visits
Video visit with patients with OhMD, a HIPAA compliant solution.
What Makes a Platform HIPAA Compliant?
HIPAA compliance depends on more than just a product’s features—it’s also about how it’s implemented and whether the organization follows best practices.
Required HIPAA safeguards
To meet HIPAA standards, any tool handling protected health information (PHI) must offer data encryption, access controls, secure user authentication, and audit capabilities.
The role of a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)
A BAA is a legal contract that outlines how a platform provider—like Zoom—must safeguard PHI. Without a signed BAA, healthcare organizations cannot legally use Zoom to transmit or store PHI. Zoom does offer BAAs, but only for its Zoom for Healthcare plans.
Why Zoom isn’t HIPAA compliant by default
The standard Zoom platform was built for ease of use, not HIPAA compliance. Without upgrades and proper configuration, using Zoom for patient communication could violate HIPAA’s Security and Privacy Rules.
What Is Zoom for Healthcare?
Zoom for Healthcare is a dedicated plan built specifically for HIPAA-covered entities. It includes advanced security controls and offers a BAA, making it suitable for use in telehealth settings.
Key security features
Zoom for Healthcare includes:
- End-to-end AES-256 encryption
- Role-based access controls
- Waiting rooms and passcode protection
- HIPAA-compliant cloud storage
- Secure messaging and user verification
These features help protect PHI during video consultations, file transfers, and internal meetings.
Integration with EHR systems
Zoom for Healthcare integrates with platforms like Epic, enabling providers to streamline scheduling, chart access, and documentation during virtual visits.
Shared responsibility for compliance
Using Zoom for Healthcare doesn’t automatically make your organization HIPAA compliant. Healthcare providers must:
- Configure meetings securely
- Train staff on HIPAA practices
- Control access to recordings and transcripts
- Enforce device-level security policies
Comparison: Zoom Plans and HIPAA Compliance
Here’s how Zoom’s different plans compare from a HIPAA standpoint:
| Feature | Zoom Basic / Pro | Zoom for Healthcare |
|---|---|---|
| HIPAA BAA Offered | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| End-to-End Encryption | ❌ Limited | ✅ AES-256 enabled |
| Secure Cloud Storage | ❌ Not HIPAA-ready | ✅ Encrypted + access controls |
| PHI Use Permitted | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed with safeguards |
| Epic Integration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Team Chat HIPAA Support | ❌ Risky | ✅ With enhanced controls |
How Zoom Protects PHI
Zoom for Healthcare has built-in protections to help safeguard patient information—but proper use is key.
Encryption and access controls
All video, audio, and chat data is encrypted. Administrators can limit access to meetings and enable features like waiting rooms, locked sessions, and domain restrictions.
Recording policies
Cloud recordings can be encrypted and access-controlled, but organizations should align Zoom’s retention features with their internal HIPAA policies. Disable recording unless necessary.
Device and user security
Zoom’s protections mean little if endpoint devices are vulnerable. Ensure that any device accessing Zoom for Healthcare is password-protected, patched regularly, and secured with antivirus software.
Risks and Limitations
Even with the right plan, Zoom isn’t immune to risk. Providers must be vigilant when using the platform.
Historical security concerns
In 2020, over 500,000 Zoom accounts were sold on the dark web. Zoom’s popularity makes it a frequent target for phishing, malware, and impersonation attempts.
Transcription and file-sharing risks
Live transcription and file-sharing features are convenient but carry risk. Unauthorized users may access or download sensitive content unless access is strictly managed.
Data sharing and user training
Never assume every meeting or file is secure by default. Staff should be trained not to overshare, and PHI should only be disclosed on verified, secure connections.
Alternatives to Zoom for HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth
While Zoom for Healthcare can support HIPAA compliance, it’s not the only option—and it may not be the best fit for every practice.
OhMD
OhMD is a HIPAA-compliant platform designed specifically for healthcare communication. It offers secure messaging, video visits, and e-forms—all from one dashboard. Patients can join appointments right from a text message, no app required.
For providers looking to simplify workflows, eliminate security concerns, and avoid cobbling together multiple platforms, OhMD is a robust alternative.
Other HIPAA-compliant options
- Doxy.me: Browser-based, HIPAA-compliant video platform with a simple interface.
- Microsoft Teams: Includes HIPAA support with enterprise configuration.
- Cisco Webex: Enterprise-grade video platform with healthcare-ready security.
FAQs About Zoom and HIPAA Compliance
Is Zoom HIPAA compliant?
Zoom can be HIPAA compliant, but only when used with the Zoom for Healthcare plan and configured properly with a signed BAA.
Does Zoom provide a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)?
Yes, but only for Zoom for Healthcare or certain enterprise-level plans. The BAA is essential for HIPAA compliance.
Can I use regular Zoom for patient care?
No. Free and standard plans are not HIPAA compliant and do not offer the necessary protections or legal agreements.
What are the risks of using Zoom in healthcare?
If misconfigured or used improperly, Zoom can expose PHI, especially through screen sharing, recordings, or unverified participants. Providers must train staff and follow best practices.
How does OhMD compare to Zoom?
OhMD was built from the ground up for healthcare. It offers HIPAA-compliant messaging and video, plus patient-friendly features like text-based appointment access. For many providers, it’s a more secure and efficient choice.
Conclusion
So, is Zoom HIPAA compliant? Yes, it can be. But it depends entirely on the version you use, the safeguards you put in place, and how well your organization trains and supports staff.
HIPAA compliance is a shared responsibility. Zoom for Healthcare can meet the standard, but only if it’s configured correctly and used alongside strong internal policies. For many providers, a dedicated healthcare communication platform like OhMD offers a simpler, more secure path to compliance—and better patient experience.
Let me know if you’d like a web-ready version, jump links, or downloadable PDF of the comparison chart.
Secure Telehealth and Patient Communication with OhMD
Simple video visits launched right from a text message.
