No-code form builders help healthcare organizations create secure, customizable digital forms without heavy development work. This guide explains no code vs low code vs custom forms, why no-code matters in healthcare, and the key features to look for, including HIPAA-aligned safeguards, customization, and submission management.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney or compliance professional when interpreting HIPAA regulations.
Forms are everywhere in healthcare. There are the patient-facing forms that most are used to seeing during office visits. Intake forms, lab orders, and more directly support the patient experience. There are also many forms that a patient may never see. These work behind the scenes but are still just as important for ensuring safe and accurate care.
Many practices and organizations are slowly transitioning their paper documents to a digital format. This process has been slower in healthcare because it can be hard to justify the transition. When accuracy is paramount, it is easier and safer to stick with what feels comfortable. However, a rise in no-code form builders is beginning to make this transition easier. They allow providers to build effective digital forms in much less time and with much less training.
With so many options available, it’s important to know what to look for when choosing one. This blog will evaluate what it really means to be a no-code builder, why it’s so important in healthcare, and what features these solutions should have.
When looking for a quality digital form builder, there are essentially three different options. They all have unique benefits and drawbacks that help them serve slightly different purposes.
No code form builders are the most common option. Google Forms is a great example of this type. It has a simple drag and drop interface that allows users to add their required elements and steps without ever writing a line of code. These types of builders are great for people who are always on the go and don’t have much time to dive into the technical aspects of form building. The level of customization depends on the tool. Some give their users a lot of control, while others are more simplified. This means users who want absolute control and have the knowledge to achieve it might find these systems lacking.
Low code form builders serve as a middle ground option. They generally still offer drag and drop elements to quickly build forms but also have the option to input custom code. This allows for a deeper level of control and the ability to add custom integrations as needed. These are great for users who need to accomplish more complex tasks with their forms and have enough technical knowledge to execute their vision. However, for those who lack the time or skills to utilize their coding features, these tools might not be ideal.
Fully custom forms offer users exactly what they want. Every pixel can be meticulously placed, and any function can be carried out. However, that level of control also comes with a cost. If building for your own organization, it’s usually in the form of time. However, for healthcare organizations who outsource their development work, it can also be quite expensive. This solution also lacks flexibility. If an edit is needed or a new form is introduced, having it digitized is bottlenecked by development. Still, for those looking to execute on an incredibly particular vision, this could be the best choice.
While each of the three options have their benefits, no code builders are generally best for healthcare users. The reasons are simple. Even with expert coding skills, providers don’t have much time to spare. Options that require a large time investment are generally not worth it. This is even more important when changes and fixes need to be implemented on forms. No code options allow for fast and easy updates. Low code options may not be nearly as quick, and fully custom forms will have extended timelines depending on the availability of software engineers.
The most important feature to look for in a no code builder is a large element library. When you forgo a custom solution, you need a system that enables you to get as close as possible to a custom feel. A large element library ensures that you can capture all types of data.
Being able to capture the right information is the first step. However, a quality form builder should still allow you to have your forms, your way. This is where many options fall short. Everything is there to be a functional form, but something is always a bit off because it still feels like a form that has been cobbled together with a collection of pre-made, non-customizable elements.
A form builder should not only allow for quality designs but allow anyone to build them. Many options have interfaces that are overcomplicated and non-intuitive. This hinders the speed of form creation and creates an unnecessary learning curve. A proper drag and drop form builder must be easy to use.
It should also be simple to implement forms after they are built. If it’s difficult to install a form on your website or access it through a dedicated platform, it doesn’t matter how nice the form actually is!
The part that many people forget when it comes to form builders is that the submission viewer is actually the most used component. After forms are built, the builder is only necessary when edits need to be made. However, the submission viewer is required any time a submission is received. This is why it’s so important for the viewer to be powerful and easy to navigate.
For general form builders, HIPAA-alignment is not necessary. For healthcare users, it is incredibly important. If a tool does not make it easier to implement HIPAA safeguards, it is actively working against your practice, and it’s probably better to look elsewhere.
Form Vessel was built for healthcare organizations. Whether installing HIPAA-aligned contact forms on a website or digitizing a patient intake packet, Form Vessel can handle it. A large element library ensures users can collect any necessary data. Meanwhile, each element has a full suite of design controls that allows for nearly every detail to be customized. The submission viewer is built around a powerful table that can be easily sorted to fit your specific needs. Nothing locks you into using Form Vessel a certain way. It is a tool that complements your workflow without hijacking it.
Plus, compliance is central to our mission. We believe that a tool built for healthcare should have HIPAA compliance at its core, not as an expensive add-on. The entire platform is built with HIPAA safeguards in mind and is meant to make it easier for your organization to achieve compliance. No tool can ensure compliance on its own, but Form Vessel can help covered entities take a huge step in the right direction.
No code form builders are an incredibly valuable tool for healthcare organizations looking to optimize their form workflows. A quality form builder should be simple to learn and quick to train your team on. Form Vessel was built exactly for this purpose and HIPAA compliance is built into the standard package. Ready to modernize your workflows? Try Form Vessel today.