HIPAA compliance cost
Every figure here comes from a named, published source. We don't estimate. These are ranges from vendors and publishers, not quotes.
Year-one cost lines, per Cost of Compliance
Cost of Compliance states that most digital health startups spend $15,000 to $120,000 in year one [source].
| Cost line | Typical range (Cost of Compliance) |
|---|---|
| Security risk analysis | $3,000 to $20,000 |
| Policies, procedures and workforce training | $1,000 to $12,000 |
| Technical remediation | $5,000 to $60,000 |
| BAAs and vendor review | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Independent assessment or attestation (not legally required) | $8,000 to $40,000 |
| Ongoing programme | $5,000 to $30,000 a year |
Sprinto's figures
- Startups: $12,000 to $50,000. Small businesses: $5,000 to $20,000. Mid-sized: $20,000 to $60,000. Enterprises: over $75,000. [Sprinto]
- Sprinto cites an HHS per-organization baseline estimate of $1,040 for regulatory paperwork items. That isn't a full program cost. [Sprinto]
Related: HIPAA hub · HIPAA auditors · SOC 2 for healthtech
Frequently asked questions
How much does HIPAA compliance cost a startup?
Cost of Compliance says most digital health startups spend $15,000 to $120,000 in year one. Sprinto puts startups in a $12,000 to $50,000 range. These are published estimates, not quotes.
Is a HIPAA assessment required?
Not by law, per Cost of Compliance. Health system buyers often ask for one anyway. A risk analysis is required.
What drives the cost?
How much PHI your systems touch, according to Cost of Compliance. Keeping PHI in fewer systems and using vendors that sign BAAs lowers every cost line.
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Last verified 2026-10-19. These aren't quotes. Get scoped quotes from at least two firms. Not legal advice.