Hardware Guide: Your Office Computer and Equipment

Your office will use computers, printers, scanners and other peripheral hardware to use PCC software. Read the sections below to learn about recommended hardware and minimum requirements.

How PCC Supports Your Practice’s Hardware

PCC does not sell or maintain office equipment, but we can advise you on hardware purchases and help connect it with PCC.

  • PCC supports the hardware in your office as it relates to PCC software and services.
  • PCC’s hardware and manufacturer recommendations represent the “best bets” when considering cost and reliability. PCC cannot guarantee the performance of specific hardware.
  • PCC cannot guarantee support for every type and brand of equipment. We will give it our best attempt.
  • PCC only provides software support for computers that meet PCC’s minimum hardware requirements.
  • PCC does not repair devices. If your device breaks, please contact the manufacturer.

Local IT Collaboration: Local IT Collaboration: It is important that you have a local IT company or technician that you can call when your workstations need maintenance and updates. PCC encourages communication and collaboration with local IT so that you can focus on running your practice and seeing patients.

Workstation Requirements

PCC practices can use computers that run MacOS or Windows Professional Edition. For questions about other operating systems, contact PCC Support.

Dedicated for Practice Use: PCC strongly recommends that laptops and PCs intended for charting and practice management services be used only for those purposes. If you have other computing needs, PCC recommends you use a different computer.

Windows Computers

Here are the recommended specifications for a PC workstation running Windows:

  • CPU: Modern Intel Core i5 or i7 Processor manufactured three years ago or fewer (avoid ARM processors)

  • Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080

  • RAM: 16 GB or more of Memory RAM)

  • Storage: 128GB+ Hard Drive or Solid State Disk

  • Operating System: Windows 11 Professional (Professional Edition is required for HIPAA compliance)

Display Resolution: Displays with a very high resolution (DPI) can cause an issue where some PCC application data may be cut off from the edges of your screen. PCC recommends purchasing laptops with a full high definition (FHD) display resolution (+/- 1920 x 1080). If you are unsure about a particular model, please contact PCC Support for guidance.

Mac Computers

Here are the recommended specifications for an Apple Macintosh computer workstation:

  • CPU: Apple processor manufactured fewer than three years ago

  • RAM: 16 GB+

  • Storage: 256GB+ Hard Drive or Solid State Disk

  • Operating System: Current MacOS version (minimum OS: 14)

  • Not a Macbook Neo

PCC does not support running PCC EHR on any type of tablet.

Avoid MacBook Neo for EHR Use: The MacBook Neo does not perform well because of its low memory, or RAM.

Keep Operating Systems Current

PCC only supports operating systems that are also supported by the manufacturer. When a vendor, such as Microsoft or Apple, stops providing security updates or other support for an operating system, PCC ends support for that operating system as well.

As an operating system nears the end of its life cycle, PCC EHR presents a warning message on the log-in screen. The warning message appears in red and states that the operating system must be updated before the next PCC release.

If the operating system is not updated, then PCC EHR will cease to allow users to log in with the next release.

When Should I Update My System Software?: Keep your operating system and virus protection software up-to-date. For major operating system updates, PCC recommends you wait until a few months after the public release.

Microsoft Windows Domains

Some practices elect to set up and install a Windows domain to manage all of their workstations from a central server. With a Windows Domain, you can manage software installation and user accounts from a central PC. That computer can approve or deny logins, push configuration settings, update virus protection, and do maintenance updates to all the Windows computers in your practice.

A Windows domain can be expensive to implement, and it requires maintenance and upkeep by a consultant and/or a system administrator at your practice. PCC does not sell, install, or directly support Windows domains, but our technical solutions team can help you make a decision. Contact PCC Support for additional information.

Laptop or Desktop?

When shopping for computers, your practice will need to make decisions that affect the staff, workflows, and technology policies at your office. If you’re not sure whether to use laptops, workstations, or both, consider the following questions to determine the right technology solution for your office:

  • How many people will be using the computer?
  • What type of daily tasks (check in, triage, charting, reporting, billing) will be completed on this computer?
  • Will the primary user of the computer need to be offsite or mobile beyond your office’s treatment rooms, nurse’s station, etc?

Once you understand how many users will need to do what kind of tasks on your new computer, consider the pros and cons of workstations versus laptops:

Desktops

  • Can be secured in a cabinet or under a desk.
  • Can be dedicated to one workflow within the office, such as billing or triage.
  • Can be directly wired to your network, reducing connectivity issues.
  • Are generally less costly than laptops.
  • Are not mobile, and require persistent counter or desk space for monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
  • Require users to reliably log out on shared workstations throughout the day.

Laptops

  • Can be carried in and out of exam rooms, drive-through clinics, and offsite events.
  • Can be dedicated to one clinician for a variety of tasks.
  • Often rely on WiFi for connectivity, or may require plugging into network cables for reliable internet.
  • May have battery problems due to heavy use, and could require extra batteries or charging cables.
  • Are more likely to be damaged or stolen. Anti-theft measures, such as locking cables, may be necessary.
  • May have anti-theft functionality such as Apple’s Find My service.

Can I Use a Tablet or Touchscreen Laptop?: PCC software is not designed for or tested on tablets or touchscreen laptops.

Printers

When shopping for a printer, your practice will need to decide on whether to purchase a separate printer, printer/scanner, or multifunction device.

Multifunction Devices

Multifunction devices can scan, fax, print, and copy. To learn more about the pros and cons of multifunction devices, read Find the Right Fax Option for Your Practice.

Compatible Printer Brands and Qualities

  • Brother, Hewlett-Packard (hp), Kyocera, and Ricoh, and other devices with a linux driver are the most compatible with PCC EHR.
  • Laser printers are recommended for their reliability.
  • Wired, wireless, and “network capable” devices are usually compatible. PCC only supports networked printers, which can be wired or wireless.

Non-Compatible Printer Brands and Qualities

  • Inkjet printers are not recommended.
  • Bluetooth device connections are generally unreliable and are not recommended.
  • Rico, Epson, and Cannon printers are generally typically not compatible with PCC EHR.
  • Document printers that connect to a computer by USB cable are not supported by PCC and are not recommended for bulk printing.

    • PCC Recommends HP Printers: PCC recommends Hewlett-Packard LaserJet Business printers because they have consistently demonstrated compatibility and reliability. They also support advanced features (e.g. duplex printing and tray selection).

    Contact PCC Before Purchasing: Please call PCC Support to verify that a specific device you are considering purchasing is compatible with PCC software.

    Label Printers

    You can print lab specimen labels from PCC EHR. PCC has tested this functionality with DYMO 450 and 550 label printers and 30336 (2-1/8” x 1”) and 30252 (3-1/2? x 1-1/8?) labels. The Brother ADS series has been reliable, and other printers and label sizes may also work.

    Label printers tend to be better when hardwired, or plugged in to the computer, rather than over a bluetooth connection.

    PCC will attempt to connect your practice’s label printer with PCC EHR, but we cannot guarantee compatibility.

    Scanners

    When shopping for a scanner, your practice will need to decide on whether to purchase a separate scanner, printer/scanner, or multifunction device.

    Multifunction Devices

    Multifunction devices can scan, fax, print, and copy, but they are sometimes slower than a dedicated scanner. To learn more about the pros and cons of multifunction devices, read Find the Right Fax Option for Your Practice.

    Most scanners will scan paper, or insurance cards, and then import them into a patient’s chart. If you are wondering whether a specific device is compatible with PCC EHR, you can send PCC the make and model number of a scanner for verification before purchasing.

    Can You Lease a Scanner?: As with copiers, some offices lease powerful scanners, particular during the paper-chart conversion process. Have your vendor contact PCC at 1-800-722-1082 to discuss needs.

    Compatible Scanner Brands and Qualities

    Brother ADS network scanner models are the most compatible with PCC EHR. Your device’s paperwork will provide the most up-to-date installation information. PCC also provides a general step-by-step process for setting up a Brother scanner with PCC EHR. While scanner model numbers may change, the basic steps should be similar.

    Network scanners are generally preferred over USB plug-in scanners. Network scanners do not need to be plugged into a single workstation, which allows easier access for all users who need to scan.

    Ambir-brand card scanners are generally not compatible with PCC EHR.

    Local IT Collaboration: PCC can provide your local IT technician with the network path used to send documents to PCC EHR.

    Barcode Scanners

    When you are shopping for barcode scanners, your practice will need to decide between corded and bluetooth barcode scanners. PCC currently recommends investing in a corded barcode scanner. They can easily be plugged into any workstation, do not require a battery, and are generally more affordable than bluetooth models. If you do choose bluetooth, Read this guide to learn how to pair a bluetooth scanner with your computer workstation.

    • Corded scanners can easily be plugged into any workstation, do not require a battery, and are generally more affordable and reliable than bluetooth models.
    • Bluetooth scanners are portable, but require charging and can only pair with one workstation. If you choose a bluetooth model, you will need to pair the scanner with your workstation. Read this guide to learn how to pair a bluetooth scanner with your computer workstation.



    Compatible Barcode Scanner Brands and Qualities

    While PCC does not recommend a specific scanner, the Zebra, Symbol, and REALINN brands have been fairly reliable in the past. If you would like to discuss brand compatibility prior to purchase, please contact PCC Support.

    For more information on selecting an immunization barcode scanner, read Use a Barcode Scanner to Manage Immunization Inventory.

    Vision Screeners

    Depending on your practice’s network and hardware configuration, PCC may support vision screeners such as GoCheck Kids and Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener. These screeners send results directly to PCC EHR’s Import Documents tool. However, some configurations may require that you purchase third-party software.

    Contact PCC: No matter what new hardware you need to purchase, we encourage you to contact PCC Support (1-800-722-1082 or support@pcc.com) Hardware consultation is included in your PCC Care Plan.

    • Last modified: October 30, 2026