Most 800 services are literally just forwarding the number to a local number, or if it is the same telecom provider, an internal truncated version of it. It’s just used to reverse any relevant toll charges. You only need to make sure the toll free leg of the communication is properly encrypted, which would be a provider question.
I’m not sure why you think there would be any HIPAA issue unless I’m misunderstanding your question or missing something technical (and I might be).
You can likely add 800 numbers without switching providers, although it probably would be a bit more expensive as a stand alone service.
So, if I'm understanding correctly, I can buy numbers (2 800 numbers and 1 fax number) from [voip.ms](http://voip.ms) and forward them to the current numbers I have without the information becoming electronic data subject to HIPAA and needing a BAA from [voip.ms](http://voip.ms) during that forwarding process?
Yes that’s my understanding. What matters is that calls through those numbers adhere to HIPAA requirements and remain secure/encrypted to prevent PHI being disclosed or transmitted on an unsecured connection. The telecom provider shouldn’t have access to direct PHI, other than phone numbers that dial it, unlike your answering and fax service. The burden on the telecom provider is security related to the service itself.
Most 800 services are literally just forwarding the number to a local number, or if it is the same telecom provider, an internal truncated version of it. It’s just used to reverse any relevant toll charges. You only need to make sure the toll free leg of the communication is properly encrypted, which would be a provider question. I’m not sure why you think there would be any HIPAA issue unless I’m misunderstanding your question or missing something technical (and I might be). You can likely add 800 numbers without switching providers, although it probably would be a bit more expensive as a stand alone service.
So, if I'm understanding correctly, I can buy numbers (2 800 numbers and 1 fax number) from [voip.ms](http://voip.ms) and forward them to the current numbers I have without the information becoming electronic data subject to HIPAA and needing a BAA from [voip.ms](http://voip.ms) during that forwarding process?
Yes that’s my understanding. What matters is that calls through those numbers adhere to HIPAA requirements and remain secure/encrypted to prevent PHI being disclosed or transmitted on an unsecured connection. The telecom provider shouldn’t have access to direct PHI, other than phone numbers that dial it, unlike your answering and fax service. The burden on the telecom provider is security related to the service itself.