Over the years, WordPress has continued to refine its user experience, making it easier and easier to interact with the platform. So, why should adding a HIPAA-Compliant online form be any different? This guide covers everything you need to know to add HIPAA-Compliant online forms to your WordPress website.
Why WordPress Is So Popular, but Not HIPAA-Compliant Out of the Box
WordPress is one of the first website builders and powers over 40% of websites globally, including thousands in healthcare. It’s flexible, customizable, and supported by a massive ecosystem of plugins and themes.
But here’s the catch: WordPress does not provide HIPAA-Compliant hosting or sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs), two essentials for collecting Protected Health Information (PHI).
So, does that mean you can’t use WordPress if you’re a healthcare provider? Not at all.
You Can Use WordPress, Just Not Its Built-In Forms
While your main WordPress site can stay as-is, any place where patient data is collected (like appointment requests, consent forms, or symptom checkers) must be HIPAA Compliant.
The solution? Use a HIPAA-Compliant form plugin for WordPress that:
- Hosts data securely offsite to ensure safe collection, transmission and storage of sensitive PHI
- Signs a BAA ensuring that they adhere to HIPAA regulations
- Keeps PHI separate from your WordPress database with secure, encrypted servers and proper routing of sensitive information
What to Look for in a HIPAA-Compliant WordPress Form Plugin
HIPAA-COMPLIANT HOSTING
Patient submissions must be stored securely on a compliant server (not on your WordPress host unless it’s HIPAA-certified)
BUSINESS ASSOCIATE AGREEMENT (BAA)
The form provider must sign a BAA with you.
BRANDING + CUSTOM STYLING
Forms should match your site’s design and be mobile-friendly.
PRINTABLE SUBMISSIONS
Doctors often want a printout. Make it easy.
NO-CODE HIPAA-COMPLIANT FORM BUILDER
Drag-and-drop options make form creation easier for clinics and developers.
ACCESS CONTROLS & AUDIT LOGS
Ensure only authorized personnel can access submissions.
Recommended HIPAA-Compliant Form Plugins for WordPress
Here are a few options that meet these criteria:
HIPAAtizer for WordPress
- Drag-and-drop form builder
- Custom styling options
- Secure hosting + BAA
- Free for developers
- Supports conditional logic, e-signatures, file uploads, Stripe payments
Extra: You can also convert your existing PDF/Word intake forms into mobile-friendly HIPAA forms, no need to recreate from scratch.
HIPAA Forms Online
A cloud-hosted form solution for WordPress websites.
- Offers HIPAA Compliance
- Some branding control
- Compatible with Caldera and Gravity Forms
How to Add a HIPAA-Compliant Form to Your WordPress Site: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose a Compliant Form Plugin
Start by selecting a plugin that offers HIPAA-Compliant forms and a signed BAA.
Step 2: Download a plugin and build your form
Either:
- Build your form from scratch using a no-code builder, or
- Upload your existing form (PDF or Word) to be converted.
Step 3: Customize Design
Ensure your form blends in with your WordPress website’s brand.
Step 4: Embed in WordPress
Using a plugin or embed code, add the form to any page. You can even replace your current “Contact Us Contact Form 7” or “Appointment” form.
Step 5: Test on Mobile
Mobile responsiveness is critical. Most patients will use their phone to fill out the form.
HIPAA Compliance Without Rebuilding Your WordPress Site
You don’t have to ditch WordPress to stay compliant. Just embed HIPAA-Compliant forms into the pages that matter.
Whether you’re a web agency working with healthcare clients or a solo practice managing your own site, the process is simple, affordable, and secure.
FAQs About HIPAA and WordPress
No, but you can make your website compliant by embedding a secure, compliant form with one of the HIPAA-Compliant WordPress Plugins.
Want to Try It for Free?
Sign up for a free HIPAAtizer developer account and start building HIPAA-Compliant WordPress forms.
Still have questions? Contact us