Connect to Your PCC System from Home
Do you need to connect to your PCC system remotely, or work from your home office? Read below to learn how to setup and use PCC SecureConnect to connect to PCC from a web browser using two-factor authentication.
Use pocketPCC Instead?: You can review your schedule, see many sections of a patient’s chart, and create phone notes on any internet-connected device using pocketPCC. You only need to use SecureConnect when you wish to run the full PCC EHR and Practice Management software remotely.
Watch a PCC SecureConnect Setup Video: To watch a video on using SecureConnect to connect to your PCC server click here.
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Contact PCC to Authorize Users to Connect
PCC keeps your system locked down so that only approved users can connect to PCC software with SecureConnect. Your office can decide which users should be allowed to connect from home (or from a remote office).
Call PCC Support at 1-800-722-7708 or support@pcc.com to add or remove users from the authorized SecureConnect list at any time.
As noted above, clinicians and other PCC EHR users at your practice can also access their schedule, messages, and charts in pocketPCC. Your practice’s office manager or system administrator can use the User Administration tool to grant access to pocketPCC. Read Set Up and Configure pocketPCC User Accounts to learn more.
Connect using SecureConnect
You can use SecureConnect to connect to your PCC server from any PC or Macintosh workstation with an internet connection. SecureConnect relies on two-factor authentication via a third-party app, Authy. Two-factor authentication increases the security of your PCC system and data by requiring not only a user name and password, but also access to the connecting user’s mobile phone.
Supported Web Browsers: SecureConnect requires Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. While SecureConnect may also work on Safari, Microsoft Edge, or other browsers, PCC has tested SecureConnect on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Your Phone and Computer Time Settings: Authy’s authentication codes are time-based, and will not work if the time on your phone or computer is wrong. Be sure that the date and time settings on your phone and computer are correct before you begin this process.
Set Up and Configure Your Remote Connection
When you’re ready to setup your SecureConnect remote connection, follow the procedure below.
Have Your Practice’s Office Manager Contact PCC
Before you can connect to PCC using SecureConnect, you must have your office manager or practice’s system administrator inform PCC that you should be added to the list. See the “Contact PCC to Authorize Users to Connect” section above.
Download the Authy App On Your Mobile Device
PCC SecureConnect uses two-factor authentication via the Authy app to ensure a secure connection to your server. Use your mobile phone’s app store to download and install the Twilio Authy app.
This image shows an example from Apple iOS app store, but the app appearance and icon may be different for your operating system.
Launch Authy, Enter Your Phone Number, and Ask for an Account Verification Text
Tap on the Authy icon on your phone to launch it.
Authy will walk you through registering your account with identification information.
When prompted, enter your cell phone number and ask for an SMS registration code.
Enter Registration Code and Allow Notifications
Authy will send a text message to your cell phone. Enter the Registration Code in the appropriate box. Authy will then ask for permission to send notifications to your phone. Allow notifications.
Turn On Authenticator Backups and Create a Backup Password
It is important to create a backup password before you proceed. This will allow you to use the same Authy account on a new phone without having to go through this process again.
First, click on the gear icon and then click “Accounts” to go to your settings.
Next, turn on “Authenticator Backups”. You will be prompted to enter a password twice.
You can return to this screen to change your backup password at any time.
Log in to PCC SecureConnect
Set aside your phone, but keep it awake and ready.
Use a web browser on your laptop or workstation to navigate to your practice’s SecureConnect login page. The url is https://your-practice-acronym.pcc.com/secureconnect/ with your practice’s acronym. Note that the URL requires https, not http, and that you should use your practice’s PCC acronym in place of “your-practice-acronym”.
Enter your PCC username and password.
Upon logging in, the web site will display a QR code.
On Your Phone, Click the Plus (+) Symbol to Add an Account and Turn On Your Camera
Now, add an account to your Authy app by clicking the “+” symbol. Click “Scan QR Code”.
If prompted, allow the Authy app to use your camera.
Scan the QR code and Enter an Account Name
Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code that appears in your web browser. This will pair the Authy app with your PCC server.
Next, enter a name for your account on the Authy app. This name can be any text, it is not connected to your PCC login accounts.
You may see an additional pop-up encouraging you to share that you are using the Authy app with the world. PCC advises against this. Tap the X symbol to dismiss.
Enter Your Token on the SecureConnect Login Page
Your phone will now display a six-digit token. Enter this token on the login page on the SecureConnect login page on your computer’s web browser.
Tokens Regenerate Every 30 Seconds: Authy tokens are only valid for 30 seconds, after which Authy generates a new token automatically. If you don’t enter the token within the 30 seconds, don’t worry, just enter the new token as it appears on your cell phone.
Open and Log In to PCC EHR
You are now logged in to your PCC server. Click the “Start” button and open PCC EHR.
Connect to Your PCC Server
When you return to your workstation and wish to connect again, you do not need to repeat the Authy installation or authorization steps above.
Instead, follow these instructions whenever you wish to log in to your practice using PCC SecureConnect.
Log in to PCC SecureConnect
Use a web browser on your laptop or workstation to navigate to your practice’s SecureConnect login page. The url is https://your-practice-acronym.pcc.com/secureconnect/ with your practice’s acronym. Note that the URL requires https, not http, and that you should use your practice’s PCC acronym in place of “your-practice-acronym”.
Enter your PCC username and password.
Enter your Token from the Authy App
Open the Authy app on your mobile device and enter the token that is presented into SecureConnect in your web browser.
Tokens Regenerate Every 30 Seconds: Authy tokens are only valid for 30 seconds, after which Authy generates a new token automatically. If you don’t enter the token within the 30 seconds, don’t worry, just enter the new token as it appears on your cell phone.
Open and Log In to PCC EHR
You are now logged in to your PCC server. Click the “Start” button and open PCC EHR.
Some users may need additional access to remote resources such as printers when working from home. PCC can help set up an alternate remote connection method for those users.