As one whiny specialist to another....
I know we specialists want/need different things. Before I want a PM module, or a Health Maintenance module, or an order module or whatever, I want the basic stuff that I use every single day to be easy and intuitive. This includes the scheduler (color coding anyone?) and the letter writer.
Travis, I actually made this request (plea) to Jon at the ACUC and he seemed receptive. My argument is that the program should provide basic options to make our (specialists) lives easier, and that this need not make the program overly complex for the pcp's. We may want to "turn off" health maintenance, and "turn on" a robust letter writer. Yes, priorities must be established by Jon and his programmers, but they are not mutually exclusive.
I admit that since starting to use AC, I send fewer complete letters and more "substantial" notes. This may have a negative impact on my referral base; if so, I hope it is minimal. Honestly, I think they really look for my "assessment and plan", not the letter. Nonetheless, I would write more letters if the writer were better.
To your specific issue: not sure if this works for you, but at the end of every note on a referred patient, I put "cc: Dr. X" (after the recommendations). Do this on the first note (even if there is an accompanying letter) and if you template from that note, the referring doc is always at the bottom for you to see. AND, if you go to the letter writer, and still can't remember, click the box on the left to "Include plan" and the docs name shows up. Then un-click the box to take the text out. Two extra clicks.
By the way, after signing, I print to our fax program and the referring doc has the note before the patient leaves my office. I think that means more to them than a pretty letter (no offense to the letter writers out there).
Would that help?
