Practice Better's telehealth feature works seamlessly across modern browsers and devices, allowing you to connect with clients from virtually anywhere. This guide covers everything you need to know about system requirements, browser compatibility, and internet speed recommendations to ensure smooth, professional video sessions.
In this article:
- Browser Compatibility
- Internet Speed Requirements
- Device Compatibility
- Camera and Microphone Requirements
- Client Portal Access
- Practice Better Plan Requirements
- Platform-Specific Setup
- Privacy and Security
- Getting Started
Browser Compatibility
Practice Better Telehealth works best with the latest versions of modern web browsers. For the optimal experience, we recommend using:
Recommended Desktop Browsers
- Google Chrome (recommended for best performance)
- Mozilla Firefox
- Apple Safari
- Microsoft Edge
Mobile Browsers
- iOS Safari (iOS 12.2 or later)
- Chrome for Android (Android 8.0 or later)
📍 Important: Practice Better Telehealth does not support older browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Opera, or Brave. Using unsupported browsers may result in connection issues or prevent you from joining sessions.
For complete browser compatibility information across all Practice Better features, see Browser & Mobile App Compatibility.
Check your browser: Not sure which browser you're using or if it's up to date? Visit What Is My Browser to check your current browser version and update if needed.
Internet Speed Requirements
A stable internet connection is essential for high-quality video sessions. We recommend the following minimum speeds:
- Download speed: At least 100 Mbps
- Upload speed: At least 10 Mbps
These speeds ensure clear video quality, reliable audio, and smooth screen sharing during your telehealth sessions.
Test your connection: Before your first session, test your internet speed using Speedtest by Ookla to verify your connection meets these requirements.
💡 Tip: If you're experiencing lag or poor video quality during sessions, try closing unnecessary browser tabs and applications to free up bandwidth. You can also reduce video resolution in your session settings for a smoother connection.
Device Compatibility
Desktop and Laptop Computers
Practice Better Telehealth works on:
- Windows computers (Windows 10 or later recommended)
- macOS computers (macOS 10.14 Mojave or later recommended)
- Chromebooks with Chrome browser
Mobile Devices
Practice Better Telehealth is accessible on mobile devices with some limitations:
- iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) running iOS 12.2 or later
- Android devices running Android 8.0 or later
📍 Note: Mobile telehealth sessions have limited functionality compared to desktop. Features like chat messaging in the same window, screen sharing, and some settings are not available on mobile. Practitioners can still record sessions on mobile if they have the AI Charting Assistant enabled. For the full telehealth experience, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer.
Camera and Microphone Requirements
To participate in video sessions, you'll need:
- Webcam (built-in or external USB webcam)
- Microphone (built-in, external, or headset)
- Speakers or headphones for audio output
Most modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones have built-in cameras and microphones that work perfectly with Practice Better Telehealth.
💡 Tip: For the best audio quality and to reduce echo, we recommend using headphones or a headset during sessions.
Before your first session, you'll need to grant app permissions to access your camera and microphone.
Learn how in Enabling Camera and Microphone Permissions →
Testing Your Setup
Practitioners: You can test your camera and microphone before your first real session by creating a test client and booking a telehealth appointment with them. When you start the session, you'll be able to verify your camera, microphone, and other settings work properly, even if the test client doesn't join.
Need help setting up a test? See Creating a Telehealth appointment for instructions on booking sessions.
You can also use these quick online tests to verify your devices are working:
Client Portal Access
Important for clients: To join a Practice Better Telehealth session, you must have an activated Client Portal account. Your practitioner will send you an invitation to activate your account, which allows you to log in and access video sessions.
- For clients: Learn how to activate your account in Activating Your Client Account.
- For practitioners: Learn how to invite clients in Sending a Client Invitation in Practice Better.
⚠️ You can't join telehealth sessions without completing the activation process, as all sessions are conducted securely within Practice Better's platform.
Practice Better Plan Requirements
Practice Better Telehealth is included with all paid Practice Better plans. It is not available on the free Sprout plan.
If you're using the Sprout plan and would like to access telehealth features, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan. For pricing and plan information, visit the Practice Better pricing page.
Platform-Specific Setup
Depending on your operating system and browser, you may need to adjust additional system settings:
macOS Users
If you're using a Mac, you may need to grant additional permissions in your system settings for camera, microphone, and screen sharing access:
Windows Users
Windows users typically only need to grant browser permissions, though some may need to verify camera and microphone access in Windows Settings under Privacy & Security > Camera and Privacy & Security > Microphone.
Privacy and Security
Practice Better Telehealth is compliant with:
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
- PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act)
- PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act)
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
All telehealth sessions are conducted over secure, encrypted connections to protect your privacy and client confidentiality.
For detailed information about Practice Better's security measures and data handling:
Getting Started
Once you've verified your system meets these requirements:
- Practitioners: Create your first telehealth appointment by following the steps in Creating a Telehealth appointment.
- Everyone: Learn how to use all the video chat features in Using Video Chat on Practice Better.
- Having trouble? Check out Troubleshooting Telehealth Session Issues in Practice Better.
With your system properly set up, you're ready to deliver professional, secure telehealth sessions through Practice Better. Our support team is here to help if you encounter any issues along the way.