FAQ

What is OpenEMR?

OpenEMR is an Open Source electronic medical record and medical practice management software. For more details, check out the Project website and the OpenEMR Features Page.

Is OpenEMR ONC certified?

OpenEMR 4.1.0 and 4.1.1 are certified as a Complete Ambulatory EHR (ONC Complete Ambulatory EHR Certified).

What is the quickest way for me to evaluate OpenEMR?

We host an OpenEMR online demo here at: OpenEMR Demo.

We also offer an OpenEMR Virtual Appliance here: OpenEMR Virtual Appliance.

We also offer multiple download packages here: OpenEMR Downloads.

Are OpenEMR and OEMR the same thing?

NO.

• OpenEMR is the name of the software.
• OEMR is the name of a non-profit organization that helps to support OpenEMR.

What is OpenEMR's default password?

The default password is "pass".

Why and how should I backup my data?

Disaster can strike at anytime. Backing up will mean the difference between a mild inconvenience and a major catastrophe.

• Choose a method according to the operating system from this webpage.
• Windows users are advised not to rely on the built-in utility once their file size becomes too large. The reasons are discussed in this Forum thread.

Can I charge for the OpenEMR software?

OpenEMR is licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL). This license makes few restrictions on the exchange of money for products or services.

What you can do:

• You can charge for your time for installation and any hardware you provide.
• You can charge for IT maintenance of the operating system and installation of OpenEMR upgrades, maintaining back ups etc.
• You can charge for making software modifications to the system as needed.
• You can charge a fee for the OpenEMR package as long as you follow these guidelines [1], [2], and [3].

What you must do:

• You must provide the source code in plain text to your clients.
• You must provide a copy of the General GPL license. The General GPL license is actually included with the OpenEMR release. (See Also: [4]).

What you can not do:

• You can cannot mix OpenEMR with modules that are proprietary or closed source. For example you can only use modules that are also Open Source or Free Software. Open Source is defined by the OSI; Free Software is defined by the FSF; they are virtually identical.

Optional:

• If you modify the system you can charge for your efforts. We do ask that you consider releasing your improvements back to the project under the GNU GPL licensing.

What are the Terms and conditions of the System?

• See the file COPYING in the release.
• GNU General Public License on the GNU Project's website.

As per the website OpenEMR is open source so can we change the logos, functionality of the software, as we are having sms, other solutions that can be implemented?

• YES. With the exception that you may not remove the GPL license. The other terms and conditions listed above must be followed. If you incorporate other open source software it is legally easiest to use licenses that are similar. As examples Mozilla has its own Open Source license but it allows activities that are not permitted under the General GPL. So technically using software modules with Mozilla style licenses is not a problem as long as they do not conflict with the General GPL. But things can get very sticky in a way that it is difficult to operate legally. So in general it is better to only combine similar licenses.
• You can charge for the changes in functionality. But the OpenEMR software must remain under the GPL license. The problem that comes up is that if you do not release your code back to the project, every time we release a new version you have to update your version with the changes that you made. The only other option is to not upgrade your OpenEMR as the new releases come out. Releasing your code back to the project under the GPL licensing means that each subsequent upgrade already includes your changes.

What license fee or other charges we have to pay OpenEMR team for the above modifications and implementations?

• NONE. The software is free and open source, subject to the restrictions listed above.

How do I correct the date/time setting?

After PHP 5.2 PHP strtotime(), date() will no longer accept the default system time and the date.timezone must be explicitly set.

PHP Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected the timezone 'UTC' for now, but please set date.timezone to select your timezone. in /var/www/html/openemr/interface/patient_file/summary/demographics.php on line 1182, referer: http://myserver/openemr/interface/main/left_nav.php.

in php.ini about line 881 set date.time

date.timezone = "America/New_York"

You have to use one one of the PHP standard time zones for this to work correctly. Then restart your Apache web server.

An alternate way to change time zone.

Can OpenEMR keep track of drug and product inventory?

YES, it can. The drug and tracking of other non-drug materials is turned on at Administration->Globals-> Features->"Drug and Products".

• See the Inventory Module wiki page for further instructions.

Is there a guide to Forum etiquette?

YES. Refer to Forum Guidelines.

How do I get my own personal avatar picture in the Forums?

Acquisition Of An Avatar Picture For Use In The Forums will tell you how.

What is FreeB?

FreeB is now obsolete. Previous to OpenEMR version 2.9.0, FreeB was a separate program that created insurance claims. However, in OpenEMR versions 2.9.0 and later the insurance billing engine is included in OpenEMR.

What is GACL or php-GACL?

GACL or gacl is a short cut form for phpGACL. This is an acronym meaning Generic Access Control Lists. It allows fine grained control over OpenEMR. As an example, the physician can be permitted to view sensitive patient information, while the receptionist is unable to view this sensitive patient information.

Since OpenEMR version 3.0.0, access controls (php-GACL) is included in OpenEMR, thus requiring no separate installation or configuration. Administration of access controls is performed within OpenEMR in the Administration->acl menu.

In OpenEMR versions 2.9.0 and earlier, php-GACL was actually installed separately.

What is ImageMagick?

This is imaging conversion software used by OpenEMR in the Patients->Report screen to convert pdf images to jpg images. In linux, this is almost always installed by default, so rarely causes problems in linux. However, if you are using Windows, then you will need to install ImageMagick and Ghostscript(gs871w32.exe file). When you install ImageMagick, ensure you install it as the Adminstrator and also ensure you select to allow it to configure it with your Path. After installing these programs in Windows, then restart Windows. For Windows, will require OpenEMR 3.2.0 (with latest patch installed) or later for ImageMagick to work.

Are other languages supported?

Currently OpenEMR is functional in many languages. If you have an interest in helping translate OpenEMR into your native language, please let us know. We will be glad to add your language to the list and help get you started on the translation. Our latest information on the translation projects can be found on the OpenEMR Internationalization Development wiki page.

How to setup OpenEMR for multiple clinics?

OpenEMR can be modified to run with separate clinics/facilities. There are two options:

1) If you want to share the scheduling, patient data and physician data between clinics/facilities, then can input each facility here.

• Go to Administration->Facilities->and define your locations:
• It is also possible for a provider to be linked to only one facility to see only his/her patients in that facility.

• Set Administration->Features->Restrict Users to Facilities and then set the facility in Administration->Users.

2) Can create numerous completely separate OpenEMR installations on the same server with the Multi-site Module.

• See the Multiple Sites Module wiki page for instructions.

• Multiple Sites Module changes OpenEMR to be used so each install is separated and can run in its own space and make administration better from a central site. Remember running 200-300 facilities on a single server would be tremendous load for that server.

3) The more recent Versions V 4.1.1 and later have the option to create separate Clinics and separate doctors per Clinic with their own patient populations and billing departments.

How do I include a photograph in the Patient Summary?

A document category called 'Patient Photograph' is now a default part of OpenEMR 4.0+. You need only upload a photo of any size (don't be silly and load a 10 mega pixel poster). The photo will show up in the Photo/ID section on the Patient Summary page with a click-able thumbnail image.

note below instructions are only needed for OpenEMR versions less than 4.0:

• Create an additional sub-directory in Documents under patient ID. Administration->Practice-> Documents->Edit Documents. Click: Patient Information and create a Sub-Directory. Name it: Patient Photograph.
• Now activate a Patient/Client. Go to Current Client->Medical Record->Documents->go to Sub-Directory Patient Photograph.
• Upload the Client's photograph. (Be sure to place it in Patient Photograph sub directory under patient own name. Photo should be: 320x240. Photo will show in Patient Demographics page. (Remember no directory or no photo, no visible picture!)
• That is it. Details created with the advice given on OpenEMR Developers Forum as advice from Mark L.

What are the correct PHP settings (can be found in the php.ini file)?

We recommend the following PHP setting, which can be set in the php.ini file (If you do modify this file, remember to restart your web server (usually Apache) to apply the new settings):

short_open_tag = On

max_execution_time = 60

max_input_time = 90

memory_limit = 128M

display_errors = Off

log_errors = On

register_globals = Off

post_max_size = 30M

file_uploads = On

upload_max_filesize = 30M

error_reporting = E_ALL & ~E_NOTICE & ~E_STRICT & ~E_DEPRECATED

If using a php version of 5.3.9 or greater, then also need:

max_input_vars = 3000

What is SQL-Ledger?

SQL-Ledger is now obsolete. Previous to version 3.0.0, SQL-Ledger was a separate accounting program to manage accounts receivable. However, in OpenEMR versions 3.0.0 and later the management of accounts receivables is included in OpenEMR.

What Templating Engines can be used in OpenEMR?

Within Administration section there are three Template-Engine options, but all have to be activated first.

• CAMOS: The oldest and well thought out click and choose option input.
• LBV_Forms: Lay-out Based Visit Forms are a bit more complicated, but well worth the effort to explore.
• Nation Notes: An "extra" to add, for LBV_Forms and can be made "as complicated or simple" as you want, and keep the freedom to include free text. Easy for Click and Include standard text and choices.

All three can be used together in one and the same OpenEMR production version, using all three is a sure way to confusion.

Better advice is: Study the separate options of each product and make a choice. All three need to follow their own activation rules and the extra tables included in the Database have their own separate place and functionality.

What is CAMOS?

CAMOS (Computer Aided Medical Ordering System) is an additional feature. Original intentions where to "Make your choice and get the same text in the history of the patient" kind of approach, it can be used to print recipe, history, referals and many other medical observations/interventions, take action, etc., etc.

This feature needs the following configuration:

• Goto: Administration->Other->Forms->CAMOS register-> enable; back to current visit and use.
• You will find the installed CAMOS under Miscellaneous.
• Beware of the fact that this feature has its own recipe, diagnose, and many other options.
• Its highly flexible approach is, once understood, a nice shortcut.

More details and the CAMOS User manual can be found on the CAMOS Module WIKI page.

What are Layout Based Visit Forms?

LBV Forms is an additional feature. To be used to create personal forms. Some extra Forms you wanted to have in your OpenEMR version, but can't find under the Include Forms options.

More details and the LBV Forms manual can be found in the LBV Forms module WIKI page, also Sample Layout Based Visit Form.

What are Nation Notes?

An option to include standard text/options in LBV-Forms.

More details on Nation Notes can be found in the Nation Notes WIKI page, and how to include this module.

How do I begin to volunteer for the OpenEMR project?

Please note that you do not need to be a developer to contribute to the project. Potential activities to help out the project include development, testing, translating, documentation, support and many more.

We encourage all skill levels to participate and we are dedicated to maintaining a spirit of openness, kindness and cooperation.

To get started, feel free to introduce yourself at the forums on sourceforge or email the administrators, Rod Roark (rod@sunsetsystems.com) and Brady Miller (brady@sparmy.com).

• If you are interesting in developing for OpenEMR, refer to New Developer Information.
• If you are interested in translating for OpenEMR, see OpenEMR Internationalization Translator Guide.
• If you are interested in documenting for OpenEMR, read Account Request and Wiki Authorship Primer.
• If you are interested in providing support for OpenEMR, participate in the OpenEMR Forums.
• For a general guide, peruse How Non-Programmers Can Contribute To Open Source Projects.

Can I add more information to this FAQ page and the Wiki?

YES, just register and become a Wiki author.

• Whatever you think is helpful to the community and avoids repetitive topics could be added. The Project welcomes additions to the collective wisdom. The more, the merrier.
• Account Request and Wiki Authorship Primer is a quick guide on how to get started.