Couldn't agree more, it is annoying. Wouldn't it have been great to text the front office just like anyone else?
Just got invited by my optician to use a new "HIPAA secure" app so I can message his front office. Called OhMD.
Preferred being able to SMS, as so few things actually involve PHI. It's annoying to download a separate app. But it's far better than calling/leaving voicemails.