From Installation to Integration: A Complete Guide to Using OpenEMR in 2025
OpenEMR is one of the most reliable and extensively used open-source EMR and practice management solutions. It delivers increased security, new interoperability capabilities, and updated modules for current healthcare demands.
Whether you’re a small clinic, a big multi-specialty practice, or an independent developer looking to include OpenEMR into a larger digital health practice. This blog will guide you through the process from installation to full integration and the best practices.
Requirements to Install OpenEMR
Before setting up OpenEMR, you need to install OpenEMR on your system.
- Operating System – Linux, Windows Server, or macOS. It can be Ubuntu, Debian, or CentOS.
- Web Server Software – Apache, Nginx
- PHP – Scripting language used by OpenEMR, requires 7.0.0 or higher
- Database – MariaDB 10.5–11.4 or MySQL 5.7 – 8.4
- SSL/TLS certificate for HIPAA compliance
Installation of OpenEMR
- Choose a server environment where OpenEMR can be installed on various operating systems.
- Download OpenEMR from the official website.
- Install a web server, a database, and PHP, and ensure they are installed and running on the system.
- Move the extracted OpenEMR files to the web server directory.
- Deployment can be done using Docker in OpenEMR to a portable environment.
Want to learn more in-depth about the installation process? Here are the resources to install OpenEMR on respective devices (Windows, Linux, and MacOS).
Linux: How to Install OpenEMR on Linux 2024
Windows: How to Install OpenEMR on Windows 2024 (The Ultimate Guide)
MacOS: The Ultimate Guide to OpenEMR Complete Installation 2024 (MacOS)
Configuration of OpenEMR
After installation, access the OpenEMR interface and follow the setup instructions to configure it for your practice settings.
Web-Based Setup Wizard
- Browse to https://<your-host>/openemr
- Select a language, and agree to the license
- Enter database credentials (user, pass, DB name)
- Create an admin account
- Review & finish; note the generated sites/default/sqlconf.php
Define your practice’s details, which include name, address, contact information, and tax IDs. User accounts can be created with appropriate permissions and roles.
Related: How to Install Mirth Connect on Different Operating Systems
Clinical Workflow Setup
Scheduling – Calendar provides the provider’s schedule, appointments and duration. Notifications can be configured using email/SMS via third-party integration.
Forms and Templates – Activate forms under administration for patient intake, notes, and referral forms. Use the layout editor to customize templates for lab requisitions.
Fax & SMS – Reliable document transmission and two-factor authentication via SMS.
Integrating with OpenEMR
1. Medical Billing and Coding
Enable ICD, CPT, and HCPCS codes into the system for automated claim submission. Configure claim rules and integrate clearing houses such as Availity or a local clearinghouse via API/EDI.
2. E-Prescribing
Find Prescription Writing under the Manage Modules. Set up your default pharmacy and configure default refills, prescription printing settings. Fully integrated eRx with NCPDP SCRIPT 2017071 support to connect EHR and pharmacy systems.
3. FHIR API & SMART on FHIR
- Enable FHIR Module, using Manage Modules – FHIR API – Install & Enable.
- Register your client application in Administration – OAuth2 Clients. Obtain a client ID/secret and configure redirect URIs.
- Base URL: https://your-emr.com/openemr/fhir/
- Resources: Patient, Encounter, Observation, MedicationRequest, etc.
- Use the SMART launch sequence (/fhir/oauth2/authorize) to obtain an access token. Then query resources with Authorization: Bearer <token>.
4. Telehealth
Install the telehealth module that generates meeting links via Zoom, Google Meet. It stores links in the encounter record and sends the invitation link via the patient portal, email, or SMS.
5. Patient Portal & Mobile Apps
These apps are integrated for appointment scheduling, secure messaging, and chart access. Built-in Portal enables under Modules – Portal, configure SMTP for notifications. Custom apps leverage the FHIR API + OAuth to build iOS/Android apps that let patients view labs, schedule visits, and message their provider.
Community & Support
The OpenEMR community forum and GitHub issues are primary support channels. For SLA-backed services such as installation, customization, and HIPAA compliance, consult professional vendors listed on the OpenEMR website.
Related: Integrating with OpenEMR APIs after Local Installation
Best Practices for Any Integration
- Use Test/Staging environments to validate before touching production.
- Version Control your mapping scripts and custom modules in Git.
- Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS, use HSTS headers.
- Automate nightly database dumps and weekly filesystem archives; store off-site.
- Secure All Channel, enforcing TLS on every endpoint, limits IP ranges for HL7 listeners.
- Turn on detailed audit logs in Globals – Logging so you can troubleshoot message failures.
- Configure Mirth alerts or use SIEM integration to notify if messages bounce or a data error occurs.
CapMinds OpenEMR Solution
Installing OpenEMR on Windows can be difficult because of technical hurdles. By embracing the professional CapMinds OpenEMR service, you can load down all your burdens. Our professional experts will completely analyze your healthcare practice needs to cater to our services to meet your requirements.
We provide you with the world’s leading electronic medical records and practice management. CapMinds is a professional OpenEMR service provider providing a vast range of services like modern user interface, OpenEMR customization for Specialty, Interoperability, and Third-party integration. Compliance, Cloud & Security, and More.
Reach out to CapMinds OpenEMR Installation and Customization Solutions for your Healthcare Practice.
