Installing, Updating, and Connecting your iPad Apps

Owned by Dylan Nigh
Last updated: Apr 18, 2024 by Tim Carpenter
7 min read

This article covers how to download our iPad Application offerings and how to get them up and running. We'll assume that you already have the iPad Apps added to your MacPractice License. If you haven't, please contact MacPractice Sales for more information.

The iPad Apps require iOS 13 and above to run properly. If you're on an older build of MacPractice (Prior to Build 12 and up) and currently using iPad apps, we do not recommend updating your iOS version, as this could break compatibility with those older Apps. 

Getting the Right Apps For Your Build

In order to be able to login and use MacPractice apps on the iPad you will need to make sure that the version of the app matches the version of MacPractice on your server. The processes below will show you how to check the version of MacPractice you are running, as well as how to check the app versions. Keep in mind that if you update your MacPractice Build, you may need to re-download the correct version of your Apps in order to continue using them.

  1. On the MacPractice Server, select MacPractice to the right of the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.

  2. On the Server computer, select the MacPractice menu by the Apple in the top-left corner the screen. Select About MacPractice. A window will popup with the details of your current build of MacPractice. You will know you are on the server, or not, if it says "localhost" next to the Datebase Server Machine item. If you see an IP address here (for example - 192.168.1.1), then you are on a clinet computer and will need to locate and access the server computer instead. 

  3. Note the MacPractice Build and the MacPractice Local IP Address. Leave this window up while you setup your apps on the iPad. 

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There are three scenarios that determine which apps you should be running:

  1. You are on an older version of MacPractice and already have apps installed that can be accessed and used. For example - You are running MacPractice build 11.17 and have the 11.17 apps already installed on the iPad. In this scenario you do not need to download any updated apps. You’ll need to continue using those apps until you update MacPractice on the server.

  2. You are on the latest wide (default) release of MacPractice. In this case the apps can be downloaded and installed from the App Store app on the iPads.
    15.18 Apps (Located on the App Store)
    • Check-In - ‎MacPractice Check In
    • iEHR - ‎MacPractice iEHR
    • Clipboard - ‎MacPractice Clipboard

  3. You are on a Beta build of MacPractice. In this scenario you will need to use TestFlight in order to access the Beta versions of the apps. If a build is marked to have TestFlight Apps, you'll need to be provided TestFlight links by support in order to download the Apps.

We also strongly encourage you to disable Automatic Updates. This will prevent the MacPractice apps from automatically updating, which could lock you out of your apps on the iPad until you update your MacPractice build. You can do this on the iPad by going to Settings>App Store and turning off Automatic Downloads for Apps and App Updates.

Installing the Default Build Apps

  1. Go to the App Store on the iPad. You'll be looking for this icon: 

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  2. In the Search field at the top, type in “MacPractice" and tap "Search". This will bring up all three of the MacPractice ipad apps (iEHR, Clipboard , and Check In). 

  3. Tap "Get" to download the apps. You can choose to install only the apps you want to use, or you can simply install all three. The functions of the three apps are as follows:
    • iEHR - Used by Providers and staff to enter clinical data on the patient and to utilize provider-facing forms (Exam forms, Progress Note forms, etc.)
    • Clipboard - Utilized by patients in order to fill in patient-facing forms and data (Demographics, Consent forms, Intake forms, etc.)
    • Check In - Utilized by patients in order to announce their arrival for their appointment. Once a patient checks in from this app, their Appointment Status in the Schedule ability will change to "Checked In".

  4. Once the apps are downloaded, exit the App Store app and go to the iPad home screen. 

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Using TestFlight for Beta App Links (if necessary)

TestFlight Links are used to provide Apps to offices that have beta builds of MacPractice released to them. TestFlight links cannot be used and will not be available for older builds of MacPractice. Unless specifically instructed to, you won't need to download TestFlight.

If you're using a Build that has TestFlight links associated with the Apps, you'll need to first download the TestFlight App in the App Store before you'll be able to install the Apps. The store page will look like this, except the Update button should be a "Get" button instead.

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Once TestFlight is installed, you can then simply use the links provided to you via email to get the right apps for your build. You’ll need to be able to access your email from the iPad directly, either by setting up the Mail app or accessing your email via an internet browser, such as Google or Safari. You'll then be able to access the Apps via the TestFlight App, as shown in the below screenshot:

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TestFlight Apps DO expire, but MacPractice will typically have a new version of the Apps available before the expiration date. Watch for bulletins when launching MacPractice for updates regarding new versions of the Apps being released, or other service advisories.

We also strongly encourage you to disable Automatic Updates. This will prevent the TestFlight app from automatically updating, which could lock you out of your apps on the iPad until you update your MacPractice build. You'll need to disable updates for EACH APP you're using. 

The Automatic Updates toggle is shown in the below screenshot:

iOS15TFAuto.png

 

Connecting the iPad Apps to your MacPractice Server

  1. Find and tap on the shortcut for one of the apps that you downloaded. If you downloaded more than one app you will need to follow the rest of these steps for each app.

  2. Once the app is open you will see the login window. In the top-right corner of the login window you will see “Requires MacPractice xx.xx”. This should match the version of your MacPractice server. If it doesn't, you will need to contact support for assistance in updating your MacPractice server to the correct version.

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  3. Tap the gear in the top-right corner of the login window. This will take you to where the Server IP Address will need to be entered. This is located in the “About MacPractice” window next to “MacPractice Local IP Address” that we discussed at the top of this article.

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  4. Tap the padlock in the bottom-right corner to unlock the IP Address field

  5. Enter the server IP Address here.

  6. Tap the back arrow in the top-right corner to get back to where you enter your username and password.

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  7. You can use the same username and password that you use to login to MacPractice (your personal login credentials) or create an iPad specific user in References>Users in MacPractice. If you use your personal login information you will not be kicked out if your are logged into MacPractice under the same user. Once all of these credentials are entered tap “Login”.

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  8. You may get a "Clipboard xx.xx would like to find and connect to devices on your local network." window that pops up. If so, tap "OK".

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  9. Then a window will popup with a four digit passcode. You will need to enter this in MacPractice Preferences on the server. Select MacPractice by the Apple Logo and select Preferences/Settings. Locate and select Database Access. In the small text field enter the four digit code that shows on the iPad. You’ll only need to do this step when logging into the app for the first time.

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  10. Once this is entered go back to the iPad, dismiss the passcode window, enter your password, and tap Login.

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