Dropped calls, long wait times, and confusing phone menus are still common problems in many hospitals. These issues slow down care, frustrate patients, and make it harder for staff to do their jobs. With so much depending on quick and clear communication, using an outdated phone system can cause real problems.
That’s why more healthcare teams are switching to modern VoIP phone systems built for hospitals. These tools help you handle calls better, protect patient information, and connect your team more smoothly.
In this list, you’ll find seven reliable phone systems that are HIPAA-compliant and ready to support your hospital in 2025.
What Are Healthcare Phone Systems?
Running a hospital or clinic means dealing with nonstop calls. Patients call to ask about appointments. Families want updates. Doctors and nurses need to reach each other fast. But many healthcare teams still use old phone systems that drop calls, confuse patients with long menus, or make it hard to reach the right person.
These problems slow down care. They frustrate staff and patients. And they can lead to mistakes, delays, or even missed emergencies.
That’s where healthcare phone systems come in. These are phone setups built just for hospitals, clinics, and other medical offices. They go beyond just making and taking calls. They help your team stay connected, handle calls better, and protect patient information.
A good healthcare phone system makes everyday tasks easier. It helps route calls to the right department. It lets staff leave or check secure voicemails. It can even send appointment reminders or let patients choose the right option using a simple phone menu.
What Is a Business Phone Number?
A business phone number is a number that’s used just for work. Instead of using a personal number, hospitals and clinics can set up a separate number for their team or department. This helps keep personal and professional calls apart.
There are three main types of business numbers:
- Local number – A regular number with a local area code. It helps your business look local and trustworthy.
- Toll-free number – These start with numbers like 800, 888, or 877. Patients can call these for free.
- Vanity number – A custom number that’s easy to remember, like 1-800-HEALTHY.
Using a business number makes your hospital or clinic look more professional.
7 HIPPA-Compliant Healthcare Phone Systems Summary Table
Here is a quick look at the online business phone systems we’re introducing to you today!
Phone System | Best For | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Talkroute | Hospitals needing HIPAA-safe and simple, reliable setups | HIPAA-safe settings, call forwarding, voicemail alerts, unlimited extensions, easy IT control, call recording | BAA only available on Pro plan or higher |
Vonage | Clinics wanting flexible, device-friendly communication | Simple to use, works on all devices, video + voice, 99.999% uptime, no contract | Dropped calls, slow support, depends on Wi-Fi, lacks healthcare-specific features |
8×8 | Hospitals wanting global reach and omnichannel support | SMS/WhatsApp/voice in one, video visits, strong security, works in 190+ countries, reports/automation | Higher cost, complex setup, support issues, app glitches, may overwhelm small teams |
CallHippo | Tech-savvy hospitals needing CRM integrations | Easy setup, integrates with CRMs, AI call routing, clear call quality, strong support | Pricey, dialer bugs, connection issues, AI overkill for small teams, tricky setup |
RingCentral | Hospitals needing full communication tools with integrations | Easy to use, remote care ready, strong security, works across devices, 300+ integrations | Mixed support reviews, missing features, can be complex, higher cost for extras |
Grasshopper | Small clinics needing mobile-friendly phone setup | No hardware needed, fast setup, mobile use, keeps calls separate, voicemail + text | Not built for hospitals, pricey for features, clunky transfers, number issues |
Nextiva | Large hospitals with multi-channel patient communication | All-in-one platform, real-time insights, automation, scalable, strong workflow tools | Slow support, complex interface, call issues, overkill for small clinics, long setup time |
Answer faster, transfer smarter. Watch how Talkroute makes hospital communication easier.
7 HIPPA-Compliant Healthcare Phone Systems for Hospitals & Healthcare Organizations in 2025
Choosing the right phone system is key for hospitals and healthcare providers. In 2025, these HIPAA-compliant options help protect patient data while supporting smooth communication.
1. Talkroute
Talkroute helps hospitals stay connected without the hassle of complicated setups or expensive hardware. It gives staff an easy way to manage phone calls, voicemails, and team messages, all from one platform.
From front desk staff to IT managers, Talkroute makes it easier to handle patient calls, manage extensions, and route calls to the right departments quickly with features such as automated call distribution and virtual receptionists.
Whether your team is working on-site or remotely, Talkroute keeps your hospital’s communication system running smoothly.
Advantages:
- HIPAA-safe options – Use simple settings to meet HIPAA requirements by disabling voicemail-to-email attachments and avoiding PHI in texts.
- Call forwarding and routing – Send calls to mobile phones, desktops, or landlines so your team never misses an important call.
- Voicemail with alerts – Get voicemail alerts by email or app, and organize messages by team or department.
- Department menus – Set up custom menus so callers can reach the right department quickly, like billing, support, or nurses’ stations.
- Extensions for staff – Add unlimited extensions for doctors, nurses, and admin staff so everyone has a direct line.
- Call recording – Automatically record incoming and outgoing calls for training or dispute resolution, with unlimited storage.
- Text messaging – Send appointment reminders or updates from your hospital phone number (no PHI).
- Control for IT managers – Your IT team can manage phone lines, users, and settings from one easy-to-use dashboard.
Disadvantages
- BAA Support: BAA (Business Associate Agreement) can only be done with our Pro plan or higher at this time.
2. Vonage
Source: vonage.com
Vonage is a business phone system that helps hospitals and clinics stay connected with patients, staff, and other care teams. It supports voice, video, and messaging all in one place, which makes it easier to share updates and respond to patient needs quickly.
Doctors and nurses can use it on their phones or computers, even when they’re moving between departments or working off-site.
With over 40 features, Vonage gives hospitals the tools to manage communication without making it complicated. The setup is fast, and there’s no long contract, so it’s easy to adjust as your facility grows or changes.
Advantages
- Simple for staff to use – Easy to learn, even for teams with little tech experience.
- Works on any device – Doctors and nurses can answer calls or messages from phones, tablets, or desktops.
- Video and voice in one place – Good for virtual check-ins and quick staff meetings.
- Reliable connection – Keeps calls going during emergencies or busy times with 99.999% uptime.
- Flexible setup – No yearly contract means hospitals can make changes when needed.
Disadvantages
- Dropped calls – Some users report calls cutting off, which can be risky in medical settings.
- Support is not always quick – Getting help can take time, which is hard during urgent situations.
- Call quality depends on the internet – Poor Wi-Fi can affect voice clarity.
- Limited healthcare features – Does not have built-in tools like patient record access or HIPAA workflows.
- Can be hard to scale across large hospitals – May need extra planning for very large hospital networks.
3. 8×8
Source: 8×8.com
8×8 is a phone and messaging system that can help hospitals make communication easier for both patients and staff. You can send text messages, make voice calls, and even hold video meetings, all from one platform.
It also works with apps like WhatsApp, LINE, and more. This helps hospitals send appointment reminders, updates, and alerts to patients in ways they’re most likely to see.
It’s also good for internal use, helping teams stay in touch during busy hospital hours or emergencies. 8×8 offers strong security and is easy to grow as your hospital adds more departments or locations.
Advantages
- Omnichannel support – Lets hospitals talk to patients through SMS, WhatsApp, video, and voice in one place.
- Real-time video – Easy to add video visits to hospital websites or mobile apps.
- Secure and compliant – Strong data protection makes it suitable for hospitals needing privacy.
- Global reach – Works across over 190 countries, helpful for international patients or remote care.
- Reports and automation – Helps staff track messages and automate appointment reminders or alerts.
Disadvantages
- May cost more – It can be more expensive than other systems, especially for smaller clinics.
- Can be complex to set up – Setup might need help from a technical team.
- Support is not always consistent – Some users report slow or unhelpful responses.
- App glitches – The app sometimes logs users out or crashes.
- Too advanced for small teams – Smaller hospitals may not need all the extra features.
4. CallHippo
Source: callhippo.com
CallHippo helps healthcare teams connect better with voice, SMS, WhatsApp, and more. It’s packed with AI tools that make calling faster, support smoother, and team collaboration easier.
Whether you run sales, support, or service teams, CallHippo helps you stay organized and respond quickly. You can even connect it with your favorite tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Slack.
With CallHippo, you don’t need to be a tech expert. You can set up your phone system in just a few minutes and start growing right away.
Advantages
- Easy to use – Staff can learn and use the system quickly without needing extra training.
- Works with many tools – CallHippo connects with hospital CRMs, helpdesks, and apps like Slack or Zendesk.
- AI-powered routing – Calls go to the right person faster, which saves time for both patients and staff.
- Good call quality – Offers clear voice calls with low delays and very little jitter.
- Strong support team – Many users say the customer service is helpful and quick to respond.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than others – May not be the best choice for small clinics on a tight budget.
- Dialer problems – Some users report bugs or delays in the dialer feature.
- Call connection issues – A few users experience dropped or missed calls.
- AI features may be too much – Smaller hospitals might not need all the advanced AI tools.
- Can have setup hiccups – Initial setup may take time if you’re linking it with many other tools.
5. RingCentral
Source: ringcentral.com
RingCentral, also called RingEX, is a complete communication system trusted by many hospitals and healthcare providers. It combines calling, messaging, video, and AI tools in one platform.
This means hospitals can manage patient calls, staff updates, and virtual appointments from a single system. It also connects with over 300 apps, so teams can link it with health record systems, helpdesks, or scheduling tools.
RingCentral is secure, HIPAA-compliant, and designed to keep working even during busy hours or emergencies. It’s built for teams that need clear and quick communication across departments or locations.
Advantages
- Simple to use – Staff can pick it up fast without needing lots of training.
- Supports virtual care – Video and messaging features help with remote appointments or follow-ups.
- Works across devices – Use it on phones, tablets, or computers, whether on-site or remote.
- Strong uptime and security – 99.999% availability and full compliance with healthcare rules like HIPAA.
- Good integrations – Connects with tools hospitals already use, such as scheduling and support apps.
Disadvantages
- Customer support complaints – Some users say support can be slow or not helpful.
- Can be missing features – A few users want more built-in tools for reporting or automation.
- Support experience varies – Some hospitals find the help team hard to reach during urgent needs.
- Might feel complex – With so many tools, smaller teams may find it hard to manage everything at once.
- May cost more for full setup – Advanced features and integrations could raise the monthly price.
6. Grasshopper
Source: grasshopper.com
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system that works well for small clinics or private healthcare practices. It lets doctors and staff separate personal and business calls using one device. With local, toll-free, or vanity numbers, clinics can build trust and appear more professional.
The system works through an app, so there’s no need to buy extra hardware. You can forward calls, send business texts, and get voicemail transcriptions. It’s best for small teams that want a basic, mobile-friendly phone setup.
Advantages
- No extra hardware needed – Use your existing smartphone or computer without buying new phones.
- Easy to set up – Choose a number, download the app, and start calling in minutes.
- Works anywhere – Staff can take calls and texts even when they’re outside the clinic.
- Keeps work and personal calls separate – Helps healthcare staff stay organized and maintain privacy.
- Business texting and voicemail tools – Useful for sending updates and reading voicemails quickly.
Disadvantages
- Limited features for large hospitals – Not built for bigger systems or full hospital needs.
- Customer support complaints – Some users mention slow or unhelpful service.
- Higher cost for basic features – Can be pricey for what it offers.
- Call handling can be clunky – Forwarding and transfers aren’t always smooth.
- Number issues reported – Some users have trouble with porting or managing their business numbers.
7. Nextiva
Source: nextiva.com
Nextiva is a phone and messaging system built for large teams that need to stay connected and serve people quickly.
For hospitals, it offers a strong way to manage calls, chats, messages, and emails all from one platform. Staff can view patient interactions across every channel in one place, which helps improve service and avoid repeating the same questions.
Nextiva also comes with built-in AI that helps manage tasks, direct calls, and send reminders. It supports video, live chat, and messaging apps too, making it a smart choice for hospitals that want everything in one system.
Advantages
- All-in-one platform – Hospitals can manage voice, chat, email, video, and messaging from a single screen.
- Real-time insights – Staff can see what patients need right away, which helps speed up response times.
- Built-in automation – Helps with tasks like sending appointment reminders or routing calls.
- Scales with large teams – Designed for hospitals with many departments and locations.
- Strong support tools – Includes features that help reduce staff fatigue and improve workflows.
Disadvantages
- Support can be slow – Some users report long wait times when they need help.
- Can feel hard to navigate – With so many tools, it may take time for teams to learn the system.
- Call problems reported – A few users mention dropped calls or call quality issues.
- May be too complex for small clinics – Smaller healthcare providers might not need all the extra features.
- Setup may take time – Getting the system running the way you want can require planning and training.
Talkroute helps your hospital stay reachable, day and night. Watch the system in action.
What Features Should Your Hospital Phone System Have?
Okay, so a hospital phone system isn’t just about making and taking calls. It does way more than that. It’s built to help everyone in the hospital stay connected and respond fast, especially when things get busy. Here’s what it usually includes:
Call Routing
This just means calls get sent to the right person or department right away. So if someone calls the ER, it doesn’t bounce around from one desk to another. It goes straight there.
Auto-attendant
You’ve probably heard this before — it’s that voice that says “Press 1 for this, press 2 for that.” It helps callers get where they need to go without talking to a real person first.
Call Recording
Some hospitals record calls for training or for double-checking what was said. It helps staff stay clear and accurate.
Call Forwarding
If someone’s not at their desk, their calls can go to their mobile. That way, they won’t miss anything important, even if they’re walking around.
Caller ID and Call Logs
Caller ID and call logs help staff keep track of every call, so they can quickly return missed calls, check conversation history, and stay organized.
Conference Calling
Sometimes teams need to chat all at once, even if they’re in different parts of the hospital. Conference calling makes that easy.
Secure Calls
Since hospitals deal with private health info, the phone system has to be safe. Calls need to stay private and protected.
Recommended reading:
IVR Phone System: What It Is + 4 Steps To Set It Up
7 Best Aircall Alternatives to Check Out in 2025
RingCentral vs Grasshopper: Which One Is Good For You?
HIPAA-Safe Calling for Healthcare Teams & Hospitals with Talkroute
Talkroute is a strong choice for healthcare organizations that want to make phone calls easier, protect patient data, and improve how the whole team communicates. Whether you’re a small clinic or a larger practice, Talkroute gives you the tools to manage your phone lines without making things complicated.
You don’t need any special hardware. You can use your desktop, laptop, or phone to talk, text, and meet with your patients and team. It’s also easy for your front desk staff and your IT manager to manage everything from one place.
HIPAA Compliance Made Simple
Talkroute gives healthcare organizations the tools they need to stay connected while following HIPAA rules. With a few simple settings, your phone system can support secure and safe communication.
Here’s what to know:
- Text messaging: Use SMS for general updates or appointment reminders only. Just don’t include any Protected Health Information (PHI) in your messages.
- Voicemail-to-email: This feature is not encrypted, so to stay compliant, you’ll want to disable voicemail transcriptions and audio file attachments. You can still get email alerts when a voicemail comes in, just without sensitive details.
- Need a BAA: We offer signed Business Associate Agreements with our Pro plan or higher.
Helps Improve Patient Satisfaction
Talkroute makes it easier to answer every call. When you miss fewer calls, patients feel heard and cared for. This helps build trust and keeps them coming back.
Works With Your Existing Devices
You don’t need to buy any new equipment. Talkroute works on your desktop, laptop, or smartphone using your current internet connection. It’s simple to set up and use.
Easy for Your Team to Use
Whether your staff is in the office or working remotely, they can make and receive calls without confusion. The Talkroute app keeps things clear and easy for everyone.
Keeps Patient Data Safe
With a few simple settings, you can help protect sensitive information. Features like voicemail-to-email can be adjusted to avoid sharing any protected health details.
Helps You Retain Patients
When patients can reach your office quickly and get clear answers, they’re more likely to stay with you. Good communication means better service and loyalty.
Supports Clear Phone Calls
Call quality matters. Talkroute helps your team handle fast, clear phone calls across all departments so everyone stays connected.
Makes EHR Follow-Ups Easy
Talkroute helps your staff stay on top of follow-up calls and reminders tied to electronic health records. It’s one less thing to worry about.
Gives Your IT Manager Full Control
Your IT manager can manage phone lines, team access, and user settings all in one place. It’s organized, flexible, and built for healthcare offices.
Test Talkroute’s hospital-ready features today. No contract, no commitment. Sign up now.
FAQs About Healthcare Phone Systems
What phone system do hospitals use?
Hospitals and healthcare facilities usually go for healthcare phone systems that support a large volume of incoming calls, have strong call routing, and offer HIPAA compliance to protect patient data.
Many hospitals are moving away from traditional desk phones and landlines and are now choosing VoIP phone systems because they help reduce costs, improve communication channels, and support coordinated care across departments.
Talkroute is a reliable phone system that works well for hospitals because it offers features like voicemail transcription, unified communications, and enterprise-grade security—all critical for quality patient care and keeping patient information safe.
Which telephone services are often used by medical offices?
A medical office needs more than just a regular phone number. It needs a business phone system that supports things like appointment reminders, online scheduling, and auto-dialers.
Most medical practices today use VoIP systems that provide them with unique business phone numbers because they allow staff to answer calls and receive calls from any device, including mobile phones while keeping patient data safe.
Services like Talkroute help healthcare providers manage administrative tasks, connect with new patients and make sure healthcare professionals never miss an important call. With features like text messages, mobile app access, and call routing, Talkroute helps medical teams provide accessible care and improve the overall patient experience.
What is healthcare VoIP?
Healthcare VoIP is a VoIP phone system built to meet the needs of healthcare organizations. Unlike traditional systems, VoIP lets healthcare staff handle external communications from any device using the internet.
This helps managers and healthcare offices stay connected with their entire team, while also making it easier to schedule appointments, manage patient history, and provide personalized care.
A VoIP system like Talkroute also comes with tools like video conferencing, smart call routing, and even AI-powered features that boost the customer experience. It’s a critical component of modern healthcare operations.
Which VoIP is HIPAA compliant?
If you’re looking for the best phone system that checks the box for HIPAA compliance, Talkroute is a smart pick. It’s built with security measures that help protect patient information and support enterprise-grade security.
Talkroute also comes with a Business Associate Agreement (BAA), which is required for HIPAA-covered healthcare centers and healthcare professionals. This BAA is available with the Pro plan or higher, so if your healthcare practice needs full compliance, that’s the plan to go with.
Stephanie
Stephanie is the Marketing Director at Talkroute and has been featured in Forbes, Inc, and Entrepreneur as a leading authority on business and telecommunications.
Stephanie is also the chief editor and contributing author for the Talkroute blog helping more than 200k entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses.