In our digital era, electronic signature software has become a vital tool for businesses to optimise their workflow and bolster efficiency. Healthcare providers, being no exception, seek secure and efficient ways to handle patient records, consent forms, and other confidential documents.
However, such providers must comply with HIPAA regulations that pose a challenge concerning electronic signatures. This comprehensive guide will elucidate the fundamentals of HIPAA compliant electronic signature software and its advantages, features & pricing for healthcare providers.
16 HIPAA Compliant Electronic Signature Software to Use in Healthcare Practice
1. SignNow
SignNow is a #1 secure HIPAA-compliant electronic signature software. It integrates with popular software like Google Drive and Salesforce. Pricing starts at $8 per month per user.
SignNow Pros
- Easy to use interface
- Affordable pricing plans
- Robust audit trails
- Advanced reporting capabilities
- Advanced signer authentication options
- Multiple document sending and signing options
- Secure and compliant
- Collaborative Features
- Customizable Templates
- Workflow Automation
- Advanced Authentication
- Data Backup and Recovery
- Simplified Payment Process
- Legally Binding Documents
- User Control and Flexibility
SignNow Cons
- Limited customization options
- Integration with other software can sometimes be tricky
- Some users have reported occasional issues with document syncing across devices
2. PDFfiller
PDFfiller is popular for protecting patient information with HIPAA-compliant electronic signatures. It allows users to fill, sign, and send documents securely. It iSyncs with commonly-used tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box. Pricing starts at $6 per month per user.
PDFfiller Pros
- Offers a user-friendly interface
- Secure cloud storage for your documents
- Advanced document encryption and security features for protecting sensitive information
- Collaborative tools for sharing and working on documents with others in real-time
- Mobile app available for working on documents on the go
- Customizable branding options for businesses and organisations
- Wide range of supported file types for importing and exporting documents.
- Add a signature to a Word document, PDF & Google Docs
- Customizable branding options
PDFfiller Cons
- Limited document tracking options
- Some users may find the pricing model to be a bit expensive for their needs
- Limited offline functionality
- Some users have reported occasional glitches or bugs in the platform
- Limited language support for some features.
3. Airslate
Airslate is a HIPAA compliant e-signature software for healthcare providers. It allows users to automate workflows and manage documents securely. It is compatible with widely-used applications like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Dropbox. Pricing starts at $50 per month per user.
Airslate Pros
- Offers advanced security features
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Ability to create and automate workflows without coding skills
- Multiple templates available for different use cases
- Collaboration tools for working on documents with others in real-time
- Advanced document editing tools, including e-signature capabilities
- Workflow analytics for monitoring and improving processes
- Customizable branding options for businesses and organizations
- Support for a wide range of document formats, including PDF, Word, and Excel
- Mobile app available for working on workflows on the go
- Powerful automation capabilities, including conditional logic and branching
- No coding skills required to create and customize workflows
- Option to create workflows with multiple steps and conditions
- Comprehensive documentation and tutorials available for users
- Multiple permission levels available for different users and roles
- Advanced reporting capabilities for monitoring and analyzing workflow data
- Option for on-premises deployment for enhanced security and control.
Airslate Cons
- Limited control over user access and permissions for external collaborators
- No direct integration with some popular business apps and services
- Occasional glitches or bugs in the platform
- Limited offline functionality
4. Signaturely
Signaturely is a simple and secure electronic signature software for healthcare. It allows users to sign and send documents securely. It seamlessly works with popular apps like Google Drive and Dropbox. Pricing starts at $9 per month per user.
Signaturely Pros
- User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and easy-to-use features
- Advanced e-signature capabilities, including support for multiple signers and document types
- Secure cloud-based storage for storing and managing signed documents
- Customizable branding options for businesses and organizations
- Advanced document editing tools, including the ability to add text, images, and custom fields
- Automated reminder notifications to keep track of signatures and deadlines
- Audit trails and activity logs for enhanced security and compliance
- Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities for monitoring and analyzing signature data.
Signaturely Cons
- There is limited control over user access and permissions for external collaborators.
- Signaturely’s options for customizing the appearance of signature fields and documents are somewhat limited.
- Some features may have limited language support, which could present difficulties for users in certain regions.
- There is limited offline functionality, which could present difficulties for users who do not always have reliable internet access.
- Customizing document workflows may be more challenging than with other platforms.
5. DocuSign
DocuSign is the most popular and widely used electronic signature software among others software in the market. It offers HIPAA compliant electronic signatures, making it an ideal choice for healthcare providers. DocuSign integrates with a wide range of software and tools, including Salesforce, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite. Pricing starts at $10 per month per user.
DocuSign Pros
- Simple navigation
- Simplifies document signing process
- Increases efficiency and productivity
- Improves security and reduces risk of fraud
- Saves time and money on printing, postage, and storage
- Increases accuracy and reduces errors
- Allows for remote signing and collaboration
- Provides an audit trail for legal and compliance purposes
- Integrates with many popular business software applications
- Offers customizable templates for frequently used documents
- Provides mobile access for on-the-go signing
- Offers multiple authentication options for added security
- Supports multiple languages for global business needs
DocuSign Cons
- Cost may be prohibitive for some small businesses
- Some users may experience technical difficulties or compatibility issues
- Legal and regulatory requirements may vary by region and industry
- Not all customers or clients may be comfortable with electronic signatures
- Advanced features and integrations may require additional training or expertise
6. SignEasy
SignEasy is user-friendly and ensures HIPAA compliance with electronic signature software. It connects with industry-standard software like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box. Pricing starts at $8 per month per user.
SignEasy Pros
- Provides a highly accessible and intuitive user interface for seamless document management.
- Offers a diverse range of features and integrations that bolster workflow and enhance productivity.
- Enables secure and legally binding electronic signatures from any device or location, ensuring optimal privacy and compliance.
- Provides various authentication options, adding an extra layer of security to protect sensitive information.
- Offers advanced customization options for commonly used document types, providing unparalleled flexibility.
- Provides competitively priced plans and flexible subscription options to cater to a broad spectrum of business needs, making it an optimal choice for all.
SignEasy Cons
- Not very flexible
- Limited document customization options
- Limited support for small businesses or individuals
- Security and privacy concerns
- Compatibility issues with certain software
- Limited accessibility for team members
- Software glitches and bugs
- Difficult to bulk send documents
7. Adobe Sign
Adobe Sign is a reliable and securely signing and managing documents with HIPAA electronic signature software. It integrates with a wide range of software, including Microsoft Office and Salesforce. Pricing starts at $10 per month per user.
Adobe Sign Pros
- Offers a user-friendly mobile app for on-the-go document signing and management
- Provides support for a range of document formats, including PDF, Microsoft Word, and more
- Offers a robust API for developers to integrate Adobe Sign into their own applications
- Provides customizable templates for frequently used documents to save time and effort
- Provides audit trails to track document changes and ensure accountability
- Offers customizable branding options for a seamless user experience
- Provides an intuitive dashboard for easy document tracking and management
- Enables digital form filling and automatic data extraction for streamlined document processing
- Offers a range of authentication options to ensure signer identity verification
- Offers automatic reminder notifications to ensure timely document completion
- Offers robust reporting capabilities for insights into document status and performance
- Provides a variety of deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premise solutions
- Offers multiple language support for global businesses and teams
Adobe Sign Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Advanced customization may require additional development or support
- Limited email notification customization options
- Some users may find the interface overwhelming or difficult to navigate
- Limited document editing capabilities in Adobe Sign
- Reported issues with document upload or formatting
- May not support certain industry-specific regulations or requirements
- Some third-party tool integrations may require additional setup or customization
- Occasional technical glitches or downtime reported
- Limited integration with popular collaboration or document management tools
8. Dropbox Sign (Formerly HelloSign)
Dropbox Sign is a user-friendly and streamlining HIPAA document signing with electronic signature solutions. It complements widely-used applications like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Salesforce. Pricing starts at $13 per month per user.
Dropbox Sign Pros
- User-friendly interface for document signing and management
- Integration with Dropbox for easy sending and signing of documents
- Customizable branding options
- Various authentication options for signer identity verification
- Advanced integration options with third-party business tools
- Custom document workflows and signing orders
- Intuitive dashboard for easy document tracking
- Automatic reminder notifications for timely completion
Dropbox Sign Cons
- Limited functionality
- No support for bulk sending of documents
- Limited document customization options
- Limited reporting and analytics capabilities
- Limited support for multiple signers on a single document
- Pricing plans may not be as flexible as some other e-signature solutions.
9. RightSignature
RightSignature is an safeguarding sensitive patient information with electronic signature software that meets HIPAA standards. It easily integrates with commonly utilised programs like Salesforce and Dropbox. Pricing starts at $15 per month per user.
RightSignature Pros
- Mobile-friendly, allowing users to sign and send documents from their smartphones or tablets.
- Unlimited document storage, providing businesses with the ability to archive signed documents securely.
- Custom branding options, allowing businesses to add their logo and colors to the signature process.
- Auto-reminders for unsigned documents, helping to keep documents moving through the signing process.
- Advanced reporting capabilities, enabling businesses to track document status and signing progress.
- Robust security features, including SSL encryption and audit trail tracking
RightSignature Cons
- Limited document storage capabilities
- Pricing structure may not be affordable for smaller businesses or individuals
- Slow loading times reported for larger documents
- Limited document collaboration features
- Issues reported with the mobile app
- E-signature process may not be as straightforward as other solutions
- No automatic reminders for unsigned documents
- Limited support for non-English languages
- No option for two-factor authentication
- Limited options for signing in-person
10. Signable
Signable is an electronic signature software that adheres to HIPAA privacy and security standards.. It collaborates with widely used software like Google Drive and Salesforce. Pricing starts at $15 per month per user.
Signable Pros
- Offers multiple signing options, including in-person, remote, and mobile signing
- Provides customizable branding options for businesses to maintain their brand identity
- Offers a variety of pricing plans to fit different business needs and budgets
- Provides excellent customer support, including live chat, email, and phone support
- Allows users to add custom fields and annotations to documents for improved collaboration and feedback
- Provides real-time notifications and reminders to signers to ensure timely document completion
- Provides a searchable document database for easy document retrieval and organization
- Offers a high level of document security and compliance
Signable Cons
- Limited integrations with other software
- No mobile app for iOS or Android
- Limited document tracking capabilities
- No offline signing option
- Limited customization options for branding and templates
- Limited options for document authentication and security
11. OneSpan Sign
OneSpan Sign is a secure and reliable HIPAA-friendly electronic signature software for healthcare organisations. It smoothly integrates with widely adopted software like Salesforce and Microsoft Office. Pricing starts at $20 per month per user.
OneSpan Sign Pros
- Highly secure and compliant with industry regulations
- Wide range of customization options for branding and templates
- Advanced document tracking and analytics capabilities
- Flexible e-signature workflows and routing options
- Integrates with a wide range of third-party software
- Easy to use interface with helpful support resources
OneSpan Sign Cons
- Limited customization options for forms and templates
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Some users have reported slow performance and occasional crashes
- Some advanced features require additional setup or integration with other software
- Limited document editing capabilities within the platform
- Limited customization options for the user interface.
- The pricing plans can be a bit costly for small businesses.
12. eSign Genie
eSign Genie is meeting HIPAA regulations with electronic signature software. It assimilates with well-known software like Zapier, Box, Google Docs, Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics. Pricing starts at $20 per month per user.
eSign Genie Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Robust feature set for document signing and management
- Ability to customize branding and messaging for signers
- Integration with popular business tools like Salesforce and Google Drive
- Audit trail and detailed reporting for compliance purposes
- Affordable pricing plans with no hidden fees.
eSign Genie Cons
- Limited customization options for branding and design
- Advanced features like automated workflows are only available in higher-priced plans
- No mobile app for iOS devices
- No built-in payment processing capabilities
- Interface can be a bit confusing and overwhelming for some users
- Limited integrations compared to other e-signature tools
- Some users have reported occasional glitches or errors when using the platform
- Limited reporting capabilities, with no option to create custom reports
13. PandaDoc
PandaDoc is a comprehensive top choice for HIPAA compliant electronic signature solutions. It works together with popular programs like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Stripe. Pricing starts at $19 per month per user.
PandaDoc Pros
- User-friendly interface and easy document creation process
- Customizable templates and branding options
- Ability to collaborate with team members and clients in real-time
- Robust analytics and reporting features for tracking document status and performance
- Integration with popular CRM and project management tools
- Mobile app for remote access and document signing
- Secure and compliant with industry standards and regulations
PandaDoc Cons
- Limited ways to make it your own for document templates
- Limited document customization options
- Lack of integrations with certain popular apps
- Some users report occasional glitches or slow loading times
- No option to add custom branding on the e-signature page for lower tier plans
- Limited access control options for team collaboration
- Some users report difficulty with the user interface and document editing features.
14. SignEasy
SignEasy is a secure and reliable customizable electronic signature software that supports HIPAA compliance. It works in conjunction with widely-adopted applications like Salesforce, Microsoft, Slack, Dropbox and Zapier. Pricing is available upon request.
SignEasy Pros
- Offers advanced security features
- Customizable workflows
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable templates
- Mobile app availability
- Integration with various third-party apps
- Option for in-person signing
- Option for bulk sending of documents.
SignEasy Cons
- Limited customization options
- No option for in-person signatures
- No team collaboration features
- Limited document tracking capabilities
- Limited support for advanced document formats
- Limited options for font and formatting
- Mobile app can be glitchy at times
- Limited document storage options
- No option for offline access to documents
- Some users have reported issues with customer support
15. Xodo Sign (Formerly EverSign)
Xodo Sign is a simple, reliable and efficient electronic signature software for HIPAA compliant document management. It works well with frequently used applications like Dropbox, Google Drive, One Drive, Box and Evernote. Pricing starts at $13 per month per user.
Xodo Sign Pros
- Free to use
- User-friendly interface
- Ability to sign, fill, and annotate PDFs
- Multiple signing options
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)
- Ability to work offline
- Integration with Google Drive and Dropbox
- Built-in file manager
- Supports multiple languages
- Secure with password protection and SSL encryption
- Offers a variety of annotation tools
- Ability to convert PDFs to other formats (e.g. Word, Excel)
Xodo Sign Cons
- Limited document tracking options
- Limited features compared to other signing tools
- Limited integration options with other software
- No option for multiple signers to sign a document simultaneously
- Limited customization options for signature fields
- Limited customer support options
- Limited option for document collaboration
- Limited options for team management and organization
- Limited option for document security and encryption
16. SignRequest
SignRequest is a secure and reliable electronic signature software that offers HIPAA compliance. It adapts well with frequently utilized systems like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft Teams. Pricing starts at $9 per month per user.
SignRequest Pros
- Easy to use interface
- Integration with various software and platforms
- Multiple templates available
- Option to create custom fields and forms
- Free trial available
- Signing process can be done on any device
- Advanced security measures such as two-factor authentication and audit trail
- Option for in-person signing
- Option to send reminders to signers
- Option to download signed documents in multiple file formats
- Affordable pricing plans
- Excellent customer support
SignRequest Cons
- Not a lot of choices to personalise it for document templates
- Limited customization options for emails and signing pages
- No mobile app for iOS or Android
- No bulk or mass sending feature for documents
- Limited document storage options
- Some users have reported issues with document formatting
- The user interface can be confusing for some users
- Some users have reported slow loading times for documents
Note – The use of document signing software in the healthcare industry has become increasingly important due to the need for secure and efficient document signing processes. The software options mentioned in this article offer HIPAA compliant e-signature, ensuring that healthcare providers can maintain the privacy and security of their patient information.
What is HIPAA Compliant Electronic Signature & Its Short History?
HIPAA-compliant electronic signature refers to electronic signatures that adhere to the privacy and security standards set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
HIPAA requires that healthcare providers protect the privacy and security of patient information, and electronic signatures are no exception.
HIPAA-compliant electronic signature software ensures that healthcare providers can securely and efficiently sign and manage documents containing sensitive patient information while adhering to HIPAA regulations.
By utilising HIPAA-compliant electronic signature software, healthcare providers can streamline their document signing processes and maintain the privacy and security of their patient information under regulations set forth by the HIPAA Act.
Healthcare providers must abide by HIPAA regulations to safeguard confidential information. Breaches in HIPAA compliance may lead to hefty fines, legal proceedings, and reputational harm.
How to Implement HIPAA Compliant E-Signature Software in Your Practice
Implementing HIPAA compliant e-signature software in your practice involves the following steps:
Assess Your Needs: Determine which documents require e-signatures and how they will integrate with existing systems.
Choose a Provider: Select a provider that meets your security, compliance, and integration needs.
Train Your Staff: Train your staff on how to use the software and educate patients on how to sign documents.
Monitor and Review: Monitor the implementation and regularly review the software’s performance to ensure that it meets your expectations.
Features to Consider When Choosing HIPAA Compliant E-Signature Software
Healthcare providers must consider the following features when selecting HIPAA compliant e-signature software:
Security: The software should meet HIPAA regulations and provide end-to-end encryption to protect data from unauthorised access.
Compliance: The software should have audit trails and offer e-signature solutions that meet industry-specific regulations, such as HIPAA, FDA, and EMA.
Integration: The software should integrate seamlessly with existing systems, such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Practice Management (PM) systems.
User-Friendly: The software should be easy for patients and staff and offer various signing methods, including email, SMS, and voice.
Benefits of Using HIPAA Compliant E-Signature Software in Healthcare
HIPAA compliant electronic signature software is advantageous for healthcare providers in various ways, including:
Security and Compliance: HIPAA compliant e-signature software ensures that electronic documents are secure and meet regulatory compliance requirements.
Efficiency: E-signature software can streamline the document signing process, reducing the time and cost of printing, scanning, and mailing documents.
Convenience: Patients can sign documents from anywhere, at any time, using their preferred devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Accuracy: E-signature software can eliminate errors caused by manual data entry, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
Conclusion
HIPAA compliant e-signature software provides healthcare providers various benefits, including increased efficiency, security, and convenience. By taking into account the features and following the implementation steps, healthcare providers can streamline their workflow and improve the patient experience while adhering to HIPAA regulations.
About Author
