Overview
Heidi Desktop App is designed to seamlessly support your Telehealth sessions, to get the most out of Heidi we recommend using our Desktop App, as this supports headphone usage and is the most stable option for Telehealth. Whether you’re managing your session on a Mac, Windows PC, or mobile device, this guide will help you set up Heidi for the most stable and effective experience.
1. Heidi Desktop App
For users seeking the most stable telehealth experience, the Heidi Desktop App offers an enhanced, reliable solution, compatible with both Windows and Mac. Specifically tailored for telehealth, it includes robust features like Bluetooth headphone support and reduces the likelihood of interruptions from other applications. It also ensures secure data handling with features such as encrypted storage for local files, end-to-end data encryption, and automatic deletion of recordings post-upload.Additionally, it is designed specifically for telehealth workflows to address browser-related technical limitations, offering better stability and reliability for uninterrupted sessions.
Key Features:
Improved Audio Recording: Reliably captures system audio during telehealth sessions on platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, or Teams—even when using headphones.
Security and Privacy: Includes encrypted local storage, end-to-end encryption, and automatic deletion of recordings after upload.
Automatic Detection of Audio Devices: Detects and configures audio devices such as headphones automatically, minimizing setup.
System-Wide Audio Capture: Unlike browsers that primarily handle specific tab audio, the desktop app ensures seamless capture of all system inputs to provide a complete and uninterrupted telehealth experience.
Increased Stability: Ideal for telehealth users who rely heavily on Heidi for efficient and continuous operation.
How to Get Started:
Access the Download Page: Visit heidihealth.com/download.
Choose Your Device: Select the appropriate app version for Windows or Mac.
Install the App: Follow the instructions provided during the installation process to install Heidi.
Log In: Use your Heidi Health account credentials to sign in and enable all telehealth features.
Configure Audio Preferences: Set up your audio to ensure Heidi captures all essential conversations.
Start Recording: Begin your session, allowing Heidi to transcribe in the background.
Automatic Note Generation: Once your session ends, Heidi will create a structured note based on the conversation.
To access the Heidi Desktop App, simply visit our download page at heidihealth.com/download and follow the installation instructions.
2. (In beta) Browser-Based Telehealth
➡️ Coming soon to all users
a) Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers
If you’re using Chrome or Edge, you can record telehealth sessions directly in your browser - no split screen, no extra setup - bluetooth headphones are supported.
How it works
Open Heidi in Chrome or Edge.
Open your telehealth session in another browser tab.
In Heidi, select “Telehealth” from the dropdown
4. When prompted, select your telehealth tab and make sure “Share tab audio” is enabled.
5. Heidi will live transcribe the consultation audio and generate your clinical note when the session ends.
⚠️ Limitations:
Works only in Chrome and Edge
Safari and Firefox are not supported
Mobile and Tablets are not yet supported
Audio capture is limited to tabs in the same browser
Recording will not start if “Share tab audio” isn’t selected.
Limited Audio Capture: Browsers primarily capture audio from specific tabs rather than system-wide inputs, leading to potential missed audio when using other applications.
Echo Suppression Problems: Browser-based echo suppression can unintentionally block parts of the patient's audio, reducing communication quality.
b) Using Safari, Firefox or other browser
If you don’t have access to Chrome or Edge, you can still use Heidi for telehealth, BUT to ensure all audio is captured - you’ll need to either:
Setup split-windows: Keep Heidi open on one half of your screen and your telehealth platform on the other
Or, Use the mobile app while your sessions runs on your computer.
Split-Window Setup on Mac
Open Heidi and your telehealth platform in two windows.
Hover over the green expand button → select “Tile Window to Right/Left of Screen.”
Split-Window Setup on Windows
Open Heidi and your telehealth platform in two separate windows.
Drag one window to the left or right edge until it snaps into place.
Select the other window to fill the remaining space.
You can attempt to run your telehealth platform and Heidi in the same unsupported browser (but this method is not recommended due to potential audio conflicts). If you have no other option, follow these steps for better performance:
Adjust Echo Suppression: Go to Settings > Defaults and toggle OFF "Echo Suppression" - this is essential for proper audio capture when running telehealth and Heidi in the same browser.
Check Audio Permissions: Ensure both Heidi and your telehealth platform have microphone access to avoid conflicts.
Close Unnecessary Tabs: Free up browser resources by closing other tabs you're not actively using.
Why Echo Suppression Causes Issues: Some browsers use echo suppression that unintentionally blocks parts of audio, making it harder to capture both sides of the conversation consistently. Disabling this setting can resolve such conflicts.
c) Use Heidi on Mobile to Record While Playing Consult Out Loud on Computer
This setup helps capture your conversation without needing to setup a split-window setup or install the desktop app.
Open your telehealth session on your computer and play the audio through your speakers.
Open Heidi on your mobile device (using the app or browser) and place it nearby so it can clearly capture the conversation.
Start your consultation as normal — Heidi on your phone will record the session and generate your transcription or note when finished.
❗ For the most reliable telehealth experience, we recommend using Heidi's desktop app or mobile app alongside your telehealth platform. Running both platforms in the same web browser will increase the chance of audio failure.
Using headphones for telehealth - Desktop and Chrome/Edge
The Heidi Desktop App, and Chrome/Edge browsers all support headphones/earphones for TeleHealth consults. Run your consults as described above with your headphone plugged in, and Heidi will pick up both the patient's and your voice for the transcription.
If you are running Heidi on Safari/Firefox or other unsupported browser, headphones are not supported so you'll have to run your session out loud and follow the instructions above.
Pre-Recording Troubleshooting Tips
Below are some essential troubleshooting steps to ensure you’re ready for a seamless experience.
Checklist:
Avoid using other apps that require microphone access during the session.
Use the 'Do Not Disturb' feature on mobile devices to prevent interruptions.
Ensure your device is not in Low Power Mode and avoid opening Heidi in multiple windows or browsers.
Audio & Video Settings: Verify that your devices are correctly configured.
Internet Connection: Ensure your connection is stable for video calls.
Additional Tips for Best Performance
Keep Software Updated: Regularly update both your browser and apps for optimal compatibility.
Adjust Browser Settings: Disable any unnecessary extensions that may interfere with Heidi.
Close Unneeded Apps: Free up your device’s memory by closing unused applications or tabs.
Run a Test Session: Record a brief session to check that everything works as expected before your Telehealth appointmen
Restart the Heidi app if you experience issues and ensure proper authorization for microphone access.
Avoid switching between apps or tabs during sessions to maintain uninterrupted audio capture.t.
Support Reminder: If you need any assistance with the Heidi Desktop App or setup tips, our support team is here to help. Just reach out, and we’ll guide you step-by-step.