Webhooks are an essential tool for real-time communication between applications. They allow one system to notify another whenever a specific event occurs, automatically sending data without manual intervention. This article will introduce you to webhooks, explain how Clinicea leverages them, and walk you through setting up a webhook in Clinicea.

What is a Webhook?

A webhook is a mechanism for apps to send real-time data to each other, typically in response to a particular event. Unlike traditional APIs, where applications must constantly "poll" for updates, webhooks use an event-based approach. When a specified event occurs, a webhook instantly pushes relevant data to a designated URL in another application. This process is often referred to as an "event-based API" and allows systems to stay in sync without continuous requests.

For instance, imagine an application that updates you whenever a new appointment is created. A webhook can immediately send the relevant information about the appointment to your application, allowing for near-instant processing.

How Clinicea Fires Webhooks

In Clinicea, webhooks offer a powerful way to extend functionality and automate workflows. By setting up a webhook for a specific feature, you can trigger actions and send data whenever certain operations are performed within the platform.

Demo Video

Watch a sample video here on how to setup and test webhooks in Clinicea.

Here's how it works:

1. Define the Webhook Event : First, identify the operation or event in Clinicea that will trigger the webhook, such as creating a new appointment or updating patient records.
2. Set Up the Webhook : Once you've defined the event, you can configure the webhook to fire whenever the event occurs. The configured webhook will then automatically send relevant data to the specified endpoint in real-time.

This automated approach eliminates the need for continuous checks, making processes more efficient and ensuring that your connected applications receive data updates instantly.

How to Set Up a Webhook in Clinicea

Follow these steps to configure a webhook in Clinicea:

1. Navigate to the Webhook Setup:

• Log into Clinicea and go to Tools, then select Organization.

• Choose Organization.

• Go to the Integrations in preferences section and click on Webhooks.

• Select +Add New to start creating a new webhook.

2. Select a Feature/Module:

• Choose the specific feature you want the webhook to be associated with, such as appointment, billing or patient/guest actions.

3. Select the Operation:

• Specify the exact operation within the chosen feature that should trigger the webhook. For example, you may select operations like add, edit, delete, or cancel.

4. Set the Target URL:

• Enter the URL endpoint where the webhook data should be sent. This endpoint is typically provided by the application you wish to integrate with Clinicea (in this case, we’re using a testing URL from webhook.site to verify the setup).

5. Save and Test the Webhook:

• After configuring the webhook, click Save to finalize the settings.

• Run a test operation (e.g., create a new appointment if that’s your event trigger) to ensure that the webhook fires correctly and that the target URL is receiving the data.

Example: How Patient Webhooks Work in Clinicea

To see a webhook in action, let’s walk through an example of creating a new patient record in Clinicea.

1. Go to Patient:

• In the Clinicea interface, navigate to the Patient module.

2. Click on +Add New:

• Select the option to add a new patient.

3. Fill in the Details:

• Complete the necessary fields for the new patient, such as first name, sex, dob and other relevant details.

4. Click Save:

• Once you click Save, the new patient will be added to the system.

• At this point, the configured webhook is triggered automatically, sending the patient data to the specified endpoint in real-time.

5. Check the Logs on Webhook.site:

• Return to webhook.site and review the logs. You should see a record of the request made by Clinicea’s webhook, along with the payload details.
• Confirm that the data matches the event and operation you configured, ensuring that the webhook is functioning correctly.

to finalize the settings.

This example shows how Clinicea can instantly push data to another application through a webhook, allowing for seamless integration and automation in your workflows.

Conclusion

Webhooks are a powerful and efficient way to enable seamless, real-time integration between applications. By setting up webhooks in Clinicea, you can automate workflows, enhance data exchange, and reduce manual processes. Whether you're updating another system or triggering specific actions based on Clinicea events, webhooks offer a straightforward solution to keep your systems in sync.

Updated on: 05/12/2024