Records For Living Community

Most times the next visit date and time are established at the end of the office visit session, so I enter that as a ‘Add New’ visit after recording the ‘After Visit Notes’. What would be nice in the Visit window is new fields to enter the ‘Next Visit Date’ and ‘Next Visit Time’, then have the program create the ‘Add New’ visit with the ‘Basic Information’ already filled in.

 

While filling in the ‘After Visit Notes’ I often find there are items not discussed, new items come to mind and particularly important is a reminder to discuss tests that were ordered and/or effects of medication changes at the next visit. As a further enhancement to the above suggestion, please also consider adding a new field under Preparation and Post-Visit Notes named ‘Next Visit Notes’. The intent is for these notes to transfer(Cut) with the ‘Next Visit Date’ and ‘Next Visit Time’ and be displayed(Paste) in the ‘Preparation Notes’ window. The Cut/Paste is suggested to purge duplicate information, but maybe the program can display the same information in both places without ‘duplication’?

 

Currently, for those interested, I enter these next visit notes at the bottom of the ‘After Visit Notes’ window and when finished, Cut those notes and Paste them in the ‘Preparation Notes’ window of the Next Visit record. I’ve found that doctors will order tests, receive the results and do nothing with the information unless there is a perceived issue. More often than not though those tests do have something that raises a question in your mind or warrants explanation. The problem here is we do not get to see the test results until AFTER the visit and even then, only if a copy is requested. (Advice: ALWAYS request a copy of your tests)

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robert

Robert,

this is an interesting suggestion that can make follow up visits easier to schedule - eliminating a fair amount of data entry in the Basic Information section (visit type, provider, co-pay, etc).  We will be sure to forward your idea to our development team for future enhancements.  The implementation may get a little more involved, depending on how far we consider taking your suggestion...

Consider the fact that there may be other data that may need to be desirable to be transferred from the 'source' visit.  For instance, the original visit and follow-up may both be part of an ongoing treatment.  In this case, the follow-up should link to the common treatment.  In other words, there may be additional information (e.g. Related Information links) besides that contained in the Basic Information section that may be desireable to be transferred as well...

Another slight complication might be the fact that multiple follow-up visits are required, perhaps even with different providers.  For instance, if as part of a check-up your PCP directs you to have some tests and consult with specialists.  In other words, some of the 'Related Information' and 'Notes' information may need to be shared even when the Basic Information isn't.

In the meantime, I hope you have considered marking the "Add New Visit" page as a favorite (Home > Encounters > Visits > Visit (New)).  If you do that, then the navigation section will display a button that takes you there directly: "[F] Visit (New)".  This may save you a few mouse clicks with the current version... :-)

Great advice on getting copies of your tests!  It is also useful to encourage your providers to give you electronic copies of certain types of information: MRIs, X-Rays, ultrasounds, etc.  Preserving the original image or video files, as opposed to scanned/printed copies, can help with follow up diagnostics and save you some time and money.

Thanks for sharing your suggestions!
Support Team