I am new. I am a solo psychotherapist in private practice.
I have OpenEMR running on my computer in Windows with XAMPP, Apache, and MySQL. I have migrated all my patient data over and updated the codes etc. It looks good. I have started using it in the practice and booking and encounters are working well. It is my first month so a full bulling cycle has not been completed but I think it will do the trick. I want the patient portal so I need to move it over to a web host
I have been using Godaddy. I now see that I cannot use Godaddy because they are not HIPAA compliant. So, I need to change my web host. For OpenEMR’s patient portal to work I need a static IP address, SSL Ecryption, etc. and a service that will do a BAA. I am Googling for a web hosting service that is HIPAA compliant and am seeing lots of services that appear to be large clinic and hospital oriented with fees of about $250 a month. I came to Liquidweb which has a professional plan that appears to be right for the little guy at 24.95 a month.
Am I on the right track? What web hosts do you recommend for this. I am a little guy. I am willing to learn and DIY it. I do not need a lot of hand holding services from a web host.
Because that is how I currently work. I really like on line booking and forms. I also like allowing my clients access to some of their information. I would also like to be able to communicate with them in a secure way. I am migrating from using three different services to OpenEMR that does it all. I want it all entagrated.
I see the professional support links but most are offering more than I need and are focused on big organizations.
The patient portal with forms is a big deal for me and a major reason why I am moving to OpenEMR. So, getting on line matters.
I understand that there is a cost involved. I do not think it should be $250 a month for my little practice. So, I am still looking for suggestions on hosting services that will work.
It’s not just for hosting, that’s cheap. The cost reflects the huge responsibility that HIPAA mandates when storing, receiving or having any sort of access to patient data. If you’re not very careful the fines are monstrous.
More news coming soon about a patient portal you can host yourself.
Why don’t you try to ask your own provider to give you a static IP number? This is another option and also a way to get your computer attached through the Internet to home computer, clinic computer and others.
There seems to be a work around for this static IP, but being a non-developer I can’t even give you a hint. But a search for static IP address could give you some additional info.
I am looking at Dynamic DNS as an option for the static IP. It looks like a reasonable work around for the solo practice. Any thoughts about security issues involved there? It is less expensive than getting a static IP from my provider, which is not to bad, but the Dynamic DNS is much less expensive.
Acquiring a static ip address is very simple to do. Just contact your Internet Service Provider (Att/Comcast/Verizon) and request. Now depending on what you are currently paying for internet this could be an expensive upgrade, but it would guaranteeing control over your data. Comcast for instance charges $69.99 for business internet plus $14.95 a month for a static ip address.
Personally I am a fan of using webhosting (godaddy, etc) for your practice’s website and just adding a link on your website that will point your patients to your on-site server for the webportal.