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iPlum is the best OhMD alternative for healthcare providers looking for a feature-rich, HIPAA-compliant texting and calling option..
While OhMD has a free plan, it doesn’t mark messages as read/unread, has no group texting feature or a phone tree.
Furthermore, you must subscribe to a higher, expensive tier to access a standard feature like two-way texting.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through OhMD alternatives such as iPlum, compare features, and even look at how they handle HIPAA compliance.
First things first,
OhMD HIPAA Compliance Gaps
OhMD has notable drawbacks and limitations, including:
Limited Messaging Capabilities
Although OhMD provides secure, HIPAA-compliant texting, its messaging functionalities are somewhat restricted. For instance, the platform lacks key features like read/unread markers and group messaging, which can limit efficient conversation management.
"I wish OhMD had a feature to mark messages as unread, as staff have varying schedules and some messages we want to mark as unread until they are back." – Emily M., G2
Unsecure Texting
OhMD's messaging doesn't allow for direct communication with patients. This lack of privacy can be a significant drawback for those seeking more confidential communication with individual patients.
"I don’t like that I can't message patients directly, and when they message me back, my entire office can see the conversation. I wish it were more private." – Sheri S., G2
No Integrated Phone Tree
Additionally, OhMD does not include a built-in phone tree system. As a result, healthcare providers may need to adopt separate solutions to handle high call volumes effectively.
Cumbersome Conversation Management
Managing open and closed conversations can confuse some users, especially when switching between patient messages and adding new patients.
"I don’t love switching back from Patients (to add new patients) and back to Messages!" – G2
Lack of Broadcast by Tag
OhMD doesn’t allow broadcast messaging by tags, limiting users from sending messages to specific groups based on customizable categories.
"No broadcast by tag." – Lori D. B., Capterra
No Bulk Messaging
OhMD does not allow sending mass messages to multiple people individually, which would make it easier to send auto-texts and notifications quickly
"You can't send out a mass message to multiple people individually, making auto texts easier to send." – Kayla C., G2
No Phone Call Capability on Mobile
The mobile version of OhMD lacks the ability to make phone calls, which limits communication options on the go.
"OhMD's mobile version cannot make phone calls, limiting communication." – G2 Reviewer
Best OhMD Alternatives
The fact that OhMD doesn’t guarantee true HIPAA compliance is reason enough to look for an alternative that does.
And in the sections below, we’ll explore the best alternatives to OhMD to ensure your service remains HIPAA compliant and can access other features the platform doesn’t provide.
Spoiler Alert: iPlum is the only OhMD alternative featured in this roundup that offers true HIPAA compliance. The others, however, boast robust features for business communication.
Before we dive in, here’s a table summarizing each alternative’s capabilities.
1. iPlum
iPlum is a solid alternative to OhMD if you want to take your patient engagement to the next level.
First, unlike OhMD, iPlum doesn’t limit communication to app-based messaging. Instead, it allows direct calls and texts for faster, smoother, and instantaneous doctor-to-patient interaction.
Sure, OhMD, like iPlum, supports patient calling. However, its web-based calling depends on internet connectivity, which can be unreliable.
iPlum, on the other hand, lets you switch between Wi-Fi and carrier networks, keeping calls clear even in areas with spotty internet.
Automation is another area where iPlum pulls ahead.
OhMD has appointment reminders, but iPlum takes it further with auto-attendant, a feature that answers incoming calls with a greeting and routes callers to the right extension or department automatically.
Meanwhile, voicemail transcription makes it easy to review messages without dialing in.
That’s not all there is to iPlum’s feature, roaster, though. Click the link below to discover more tools.
Let’s talk about iPlum’s HIPAA compliance compared to OhMD.
As stated, OhMD HIPAA compliance is a shared responsibility between the platform and the user.
The platform offers a fully HIPAA-compliant number service for calling and texting, complete with built-in safeguards.
Plus, every iPlum number automatically includes a BAA, which means that security measures—like SMS and iPlum to iPlum encrypted texting—are available by default.
In addition, iPlum provides HIPAA-compliant faxing, allowing healthcare professionals to send and receive sensitive documents securely.
To further reinforce compliance, iPlum offers business accounts that support multiple sub-accounts. This allows users to assign HIPAA-compliant phone numbers to associates.
As a result, healthcare professionals can ensure that all communications—whether calls, texts, voicemails, or faxes—meet HIPAA standards across the entire practice.
Furthermore, iPlum allows number porting for users who want to retain their existing numbers while ensuring HIPAA compliance.
This ensures that all communications on an existing phone number are protected under iPlum’s HIPAA-compliant system.
💡To access these HIPAA-compliant features, healthcare providers must subscribe to iPlum’s Professional or Premium plan.
More on iPlum features below.
iPlum Pricing vs. OhMD—More Value, Less Cost
iPlum pricing starts at $8.99 per user per month. For this, you get features like a dedicated business number, voicemail, and a phone tree with extensions.
iPlum's Professional Plan costs $14.99 per user per month and adds HIPAA-compliant calling and texting, secure encrypted messaging, and a BAA.
iPlum's Premium Plan costs $19.99 per user per month and includes call recording and extended text archiving, which are critical for healthcare compliance.
OhMD pricing, by comparison, starts at $250 per month for HIPAA-compliant texting.
That’s 16 times more than iPlum for a patient messaging and calling service that still requires patients to click links and log in to access secure messages.
How to Get Started with iPlum
Getting started with iPlum is a breeze.
You only need to port/transfer your OhMD to iPlum by following these quick, easy-to-follow steps.
Sounds good?
Port Your OhMD Number to iPlum
2. Dialpad
Dialpad is one of the OhMD alternatives that allows you to leverage AI for patient communication.
Its notable AI features include real-time transcription and automated meeting summaries.
Dialpad also offers calling, messaging, and video conferencing, matching OhMD’s core patient communication tools.
When it comes to HIPAA compliance, both platforms have taken commendable steps to ensure security.
However, you need to know a few things.
OhMD encrypts messages, but secure texting requires patient consent. Dialpad, on the other hand, also supports encrypted communications and includes access controls. However, like OhMD, its HIPAA compliance isn’t built-in.
Both require specific configurations to meet HIPAA requirements. Healthcare providers must also sign a BAA and adjust settings accordingly.
This not only creates unnecessary inconveniences but also means you can never be sure if patient engagement is 100% HIPAA compliant.
Therefore, Dialpad’s AI-powered features, while useful, don’t necessarily enhance HIPAA compliance.
That said, iPlum is a good Dialpad alternative if you’re in for a plug-and-play patient texting and calling solution that doesn’t require ongoing monitoring for HIPAA compliance.
Dialpad Pricing
Dialpad’s pricing starts at $27 per user/month standard plan, while the Pro plan costs $35 monthly.
Here’s where it gets interesting.
These plans don't include HIPAA compliance with a BAA. For specific details, you’ll need to contact Dialpad’s sales team.
3. Google Voice
Google Voice is a calling and texting service like OhMD that healthcare professionals can use to communicate with patients. It enables doctors and administrators to manage calls, voicemails, and texts from any device for staff-to-patient coordination.
Google Voice differs from OhMD in its broad functionality.
On the one hand, OhMD caters to patient engagement with features like automated messaging and EHR integrations. Google Voice, in comparison, is a more versatile phone system. It bundles tools such as calling, texting, voicemail transcription, number porting, and multi-device into a single platform.
It also integrates with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Google Calendar.
So, is Google Voice HIPAA compliant?
To access Google Voice HIPAA compliance tools, you must use it along with a paid Google Workspace subscription.
And even then, you must set up access controls, audit logs, and data security measures to align with HIPAA rules.
Google Voice, therefore, like Dialpad, fails to offer true HIPAA compliance.
That said, healthcare providers using Google Voice must be cautious, as misconfigured settings can compromise compliance.
Google Voice Pricing
Google Voice Pricing Starter packages cost $10/user/month for a maximum of 10 users. For unlimited users, you’ll have to pay $20 per month.
Google Workspace Standard Plan costs $12.60.
Thus, it’ll cost you anywhere between $22.60 to $50 for HIPAA compliance with Google Voice.
That is still higher than iPlum’s $14.99 for built HIPAA compliance..
4. Nextiva
Nextiva can be a good OhMD alternative for large healthcare facilities and medical call centers.
It allows you to centralize patient communication with calls, texts, chatbot interactions, emails, and social media messages.
With AI-driven scheduling, patients can book appointments and make payments 24/7 through chatbots or voice commands, reducing administrative workload.
Furthermore, virtual consultations via HD video calls help to expand care access, while automated reminders lower appointment no-show rates.
Moreover, Nextiva’s omnichannel capabilities allow healthcare providers to manage patient inquiries—whether through phone, text, or social media— in one place, eliminating fragmented communication.
Meanwhile, Nextiva’s internal tools allow for real-time collaboration, enabling front desk staff, nurses, and physicians to stay connected.
All of the above features are impressive.
However, Nextiva, like the other Ohmd alternatives we’ve reviewed before (apart from iPlum), doesn’t offer true HIPAA compliance.
For instance, the platform disables voicemail transcription, voicemail-to-text, and visual voicemail for HIPAA-compliant accounts. This limits accessibility for providers using these features for quick patient updates.
In addition, Nextiva restricts faxing, preventing users from sending faxes directly from email. Instead, they must retrieve documents through a secure portal.
While this ensures data security, it can add complexity to everyday workflows.
Nextiva Pricing
Nextiva’s pricing starts at $25 per user per month for digital-only communication and goes up to $75 for its full-featured Power Suite.
The Core plan, which includes voice and SMS, costs $36 per user, making it a costly option for healthcare providers with multiple staff members.
Sure, Nextiva boasts robust features, but its higher-tier plans can quickly add up.
5. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is an alternative to OhMD that caters to small healthcare practices looking for a minimalist virtual phone system.
Its notable features include a virtual receptionist that helps clinics add a professional touch to how they answer calls and, by extension, create a polished first impression.
Grasshopper also offers call forwarding and voice transcription to allow doctors to review messages quickly. And then there’s the business texting function to send appointment reminders or quick patient updates.
Meanwhile, the desktop and mobile apps enable doctors to manage patient communication from anywhere, whether in the office, at home, or on the go.
Grasshopper is not HIPAA compliant, on its own admission.
While it may have the basic tools to call and send SMS to patients, it may be a good fit for sending protected health information.
Therefore, healthcare providers should only use Grasshopper sparingly to avoid violating HIPAA regulations.
Grasshopper Pricing
Grasshopper pricing starts at $14 per month for the True Solo plan
The Solo Plus plan costs $25 monthly and includes unlimited users and three extensions.
The Small Business plan is $55 per month, offering four phone numbers and unlimited extensions.
You can get additional features, such as extra phone numbers, at $9 monthly.
Although Grasshopper's flat-rate pricing is competitive, it’s still expensive compared to iPlum, which offers more features and true HIPAA compliance at a lower cost.
Alternatives to OhMD—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is OhMD HIPAA compliant?
OhMD is HIPAA compliant and signs a BAA but doesn’t provide full compliance.
Users must implement their own safeguards, as it lacks built-in protections like secure voicemail storage and encrypted voice calling.
Does OhMD Offer a Free Plan?
Yes, OhMD provides a free plan. However, it comes with serious limitations.
The free version only supports basic messaging and lacks key features like voice calls, video visits, and automation tools.
Can OhMD Be Used for Telehealth?
Yes, OhMD includes video visit functionality, allowing providers to conduct virtual consultations.
However, it lacks advanced telehealth features such as automated appointment scheduling, insurance billing integration, and full EHR compatibility.
Hence, practices requiring a more comprehensive telehealth solution may find OhMD’s capabilities insufficient for their needs.
Best OhMD Alternatives—Why Choose OhMD Over Competitors
If you're serious about secure, hassle-free patient communication, iPlum is a solid option.
Unlike OhMD and other alternatives, iPlum delivers true HIPAA compliance out of the box. You don’t need an extra setup. Besides, there is no shared responsibility.
With secure texting, encrypted calls, and an automatic BAA, you get peace of mind knowing your practice is fully protected.
Plus, iPlum's direct phone and text capabilities make it easier for patients to reach you without jumping through hoops.
And with pricing that's a fraction of OhMD's cost, why pay more for less?
Make the switch today.
