Chad,
I agree with you and the others completely. Here is what you do: (I agree you shouldn't have to, but it works great). It's what we do:
You make an Excel spreadsheet on your desktop. On it you make a Problem list and lab sheet, etc. Anything you want on your "face sheet." You can put a flow sheet, acute and chronic problem list, whatever. Save this somewhere your receptionist or whoever puts in the new patients. Make SURE you keep an extra copy on a CD or something.
Then, when a new patient comes in (John Smith, DOB: 8/8/78), you enter him into those spots on the flow sheet. Have your receptionist import this into the patient's chart.
I label it the following way for maximum exposure. You can do it anyway you like:
Under Item Type: I write Face Sheet
Under Item Subject: I put in a "." This makes for the smallest icon area. You can put in the name or whatever, but I like a period. I click sign off and leave the comment section blank.
When the nurse opens the chart, she opens the imported item Excel sheet and minimizes the chart. When I walk in the room, with the screen closed, there is all the info I need. The cool thing is I can open it as an Excel, save it, and send it to consultants.
Hope this helps.
Bert
