Doctora is a web application that works alongside either a Chrome extension or a Windows desktop agent to record and transcribe patient encounters in real time. To get the best experience, make sure your setup meets these requirements before your first day.
Browser
All Doctora users need a modern browser to access the web app at app.doctora.io. Google Chrome (version 90 or later) or a Chromium-based browser such as Microsoft Edge is required. Other browsers like Firefox and Safari are not supported. Keep your browser updated to the latest version for security patches and compatibility.
If your practice uses a cloud-based EHR (RevolutionEHR, Eyefinity), you will also need the Doctora Chrome extension installed in the same browser.
Internet Connection
Real-time transcription streams audio continuously to our servers, so a stable broadband connection is essential.
- Minimum: 10 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload
- Recommended: 25 Mbps or higher
- Latency: Under 100 ms to our servers
Wi-Fi works fine in most offices, but if you experience dropouts or high latency, a wired Ethernet connection will be more reliable. Avoid running Doctora over cellular hotspots or heavily congested shared networks.
Make sure the following domains are accessible through your office firewall:
*.doctora.io*.googleapis.com*.firebaseapp.com*.deepgram.com
Microphone
Any microphone that your computer recognizes will work, but audio quality directly affects transcription accuracy.
- Built-in laptop microphones work for basic use but tend to pick up more keyboard and fan noise.
- External USB microphones provide noticeably better results. A simple desktop USB mic positioned 12--18 inches from your mouth is the most popular setup among Doctora users.
- Bluetooth headsets are supported but may introduce slight audio latency. If you use one, make sure it is fully charged and paired before starting a recording.
To verify your microphone is working, go to chrome://settings/content/microphone and run a quick test.
Audio Environment
Transcription accuracy improves significantly in a quiet setting.
- Close exam room doors during recordings.
- Minimize background noise from equipment fans, hallway conversations, and overhead speakers.
- If your office is particularly noisy, consider a directional microphone or a simple desk-mounted boom mic to isolate your voice.
EHR Access
How Doctora connects to your EHR depends on your system:
- Cloud-based EHRs (RevolutionEHR, Eyefinity): Doctora integrates through the Chrome extension, which operates inside the same browser session. You must be able to log into your EHR in Chrome on the same computer where the Doctora extension is installed.
- On-premise EHRs (CrystalPM, OfficeMate): Doctora integrates through the Windows desktop agent, which runs on the same machine as your EHR software. The agent communicates with the Doctora cloud backend over HTTPS and does not require Chrome access to the EHR.
Windows Desktop Agent
Practices using on-premise EHRs (CrystalPM, OfficeMate) need the Doctora Windows desktop agent installed on the same machine where the EHR runs.
- Windows 10 or later (Windows 11 also supported)
- .NET 8.0 runtime installed on the machine
- The agent runs as a system tray application and communicates with the Doctora cloud backend over HTTPS.
- A stable internet connection is still required; the agent polls for jobs and reports results back to the server.
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Chrome or Edge, latest version
- [ ] Broadband internet (10 Mbps+ up/down)
- [ ] Working microphone (USB recommended)
- [ ] Firewall allows Doctora domains
- [ ] (Cloud EHRs) Chrome extension installed; can log into EHR in Chrome
- [ ] (On-premise EHRs) Windows desktop agent installed; Windows 10+, .NET 8.0 runtime