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Registering a Tablet or Browser for Patient Forms

Emily McClendon avatar
Written by Emily McClendon
Updated over a month ago

In Practice by Numbers (PbN), you can set up a tablet or browser-enabled device as a digital kiosk for patient check-in and form completion. Whether using a dedicated iPad or a general browser-capable tablet, this setup helps streamline front desk operations and enhance the patient intake process.

⚠️ Device Recommendation:

  • iPad + iOS Kiosk App = Best experience with full functionality

  • Android tablets & Amazon Fire tablets = Browser access only

Fire tablets are not supported for the Kiosk App, but can be used through a browser to check in and complete forms.


Kiosk App vs. Browser-Based Setup

Feature

Browser Setup (All Tablets)

iOS Kiosk App (iPads Only)

Patient Check-In

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Complete Sent Forms

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Office Can Send Forms

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Access Patient Overview

❌ No

✅ Yes

Lock into Kiosk Mode

❌ No

✅ Yes

Secure PIN Access

❌ No

✅ Yes

📝 Summary:
All tablets with internet can use the browser setup. However, only iPads support the PbN Kiosk App, which enables kiosk lock mode and access to the Patient Overview. Amazon Fire tablets must use the browser.


Step-by-Step: Registering a Device

Step 1: Go to the Forms Section

  1. Log in to your PbN account.

  2. Navigate to Forms in the top menu.

  3. In the left-hand menu, click “Tablets.”

Step 2: Add a New Tablet or Browser Device

  1. Click “Add a New Tablet.”

  2. Enter a unique name for the device.
    (e.g., "Front Desk – Tablet 1")

The name must be unique across all PbN accounts and will be visible to patients.


Step 3: Pair the Device

Once the device is named, you’ll receive:

  • A 6-digit pairing code

  • A unique registration URL

  • A QR code (for tablet users)

Browser Registration (All Devices)

  • On the browser device (including Fire/Android tablets), go to the provided URL and enter the 6-digit code.

Tablet Registration (iPads or Others)

  • Either scan the QR code on screen or go to the URL and enter the 6-digit code.

🔄 After refreshing the page, the device will appear in your Tablets list.


What Can Be Done on a Browser Device?

Once registered using the browser:

  • Patients can check in using the device.

  • Patients can complete any forms that were sent to them.

  • The office team can send forms directly to the device.

Limitations: The browser setup does not support the Patient Overview or kiosk lock mode. These are only available through the iOS Kiosk App on iPads.


Managing Devices via the Tablets Page

Go to Forms > Tablets to see and manage your connected devices.

Key Features on the Tablets Page:

  • View device list & connection status

  • Edit device name (click the pencil icon)

  • Get a 4-digit PIN (iOS Kiosk App only)

  • Delete a device

  • Lock a device (iOS Kiosk App only)

Pencil Icon Functionality
Clicking the pencil icon:

  • Let's you rename the device

  • Generates a 4-digit access PIN
    ➤ This PIN is only used in the Kiosk App and is required to enter the Patient Overview section on the iPad.

You can delete any device that is no longer in use, and lock iPads using the Kiosk App to restrict unauthorized access.


Troubleshooting: If the Device Goes to Sleep or Stops Responding

Sometimes, a browser-based device may appear inactive or fail to load the form screen. Here’s how to get it back online:

Step 1: Refresh the Browser

  • Tap the refresh button in the browser or reload the page.

  • If the tablet was in sleep mode, it may have timed out of the kiosk session.

Step 2: Re-pair the Device

If refreshing doesn’t help:

  1. Go to the Tablets page in PbN.

  2. Click “Delete” on the unresponsive device.

  3. Re-add the device by:

    • Clicking “Add New Tablet”

    • Entering a new unique name

    • Using the new 6-digit pairing code and registration URL on the browser.

Step 3: Confirm Device Shows as Connected

  • After entering the code, refresh the Tablets page.

  • The device should now reappear with a connected status.

Still Not Working?

If the device still doesn't respond:

  • Make sure the tablet has active internet access.

  • Confirm the browser is up to date and not restricted by security settings.

Contact PbN Support
If re-pairing fails or the issue persists, reach out to Practice by Numbers Support for device-specific troubleshooting.

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