6 Replies Latest reply on Jul 12, 2014 7:34 AM by Norton215

Secure patient form submission

KenGraphicandWeb Jul 18, 2013 4:51 PM

This is a repost because it was brought to my attention that the previous forum I posted in was incorrect.

Hi,

I'm a fairly accomplished graphics designer who has recently delved into the world of web design. The first thing I did was take a course and to become certified in Flash and Dreamweaver CS6. Now I'm on my third client, and he has the following request.

He is a dentist who wants to make it easier on the patients by having them fill out their forms online and submit them over a SSL. He has already purchased the SSL from GoDaddy, and just needs me to set it up so that a patient fills out the form, submits it somehow, and he gets it in an email.

Seems fairly simple to me, I just have no idea how to begin. I really only know HTML and CSS, so I need some help. Thankfully, my client is extremely flexible and has given me the liberty to do it any way possible, as long as it works and is secure. Does anyone have any idea how I would go about doing this?

Thanks,

Ken

1. Re: Secure patient form submission

Nancy OShea Jul 18, 2013 5:12 PM (in response to KenGraphicandWeb)

YIKES!

Patient information is confidential. Sorry, but e-mail is not secure. If the patient's insurance info, history, etc... falls into the wrong hands, it could be a HUGE problem for everyone.

Given your lack of experience with server-side security and the encryption protocols necessary to protect sensitive data, my advice is to run, run, run away from this project...

Nancy O.
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2. Re: Secure patient form submission

Rob Hecker2 Jul 18, 2013 5:44 PM (in response to KenGraphicandWeb)

Ken,

To accompolish what you need to do, you need to use a database and a serverside programming language. PHP and Mysql are typically used for this. Although PHP and MySQL are pretty easy to learn, they are significantly more diffuclt to learn than HTML and CSS.

You need to send the data to a database instead of to an email, and this is a great deal more involved.

I do PHP/MySQL programming for a living. Although this is a simple project, it probably isn't worth the bother and expense for your dentist client.
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3. Re: Secure patient form submission

KenGraphicandWeb Jul 18, 2013 6:00 PM (in response to Nancy OShea)

I understand where you're coming from, but if I'm here for anything, it's to learn. Is there any way you could help me in that quest?
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4. Re: Secure patient form submission

KenGraphicandWeb Jul 18, 2013 6:01 PM (in response to Rob Hecker2)

Ok, I'm up for the task, where would I start with this?
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5. Re: Secure patient form submission

Preran Jul 18, 2013 7:42 PM (in response to KenGraphicandWeb)

Hi Ken,

Rob has provided you with the initial set of tasks that you will need to get started with : Learning about how to use databases and a server side programming language. Like Nancy says, it is going to be a uphill task if you don't have sufficient time on your hands.

Maybe you could start with those and then come back with more questions for us.

Thanks,
Preran
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6. Re: Secure patient form submission

Norton215 Jul 12, 2014 7:34 AM (in response to KenGraphicandWeb)

Hi,
I was having the same question on how to have a secure patient submission form. I know it is possible as other websites utilize it. If it was not too difficult to learn how to do I was wondering if it would be possible to potential use on my site {three similar posts on three completely different threads have led this moderator to remove irrelevant link}

Thank you!
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