Much like mkweiss, I have also adjusted to AC's handling of encounters. I think the intent was to have the chart travel the same route as a paper chart.
I like to go through the chart (if I have time) before the patient arrives, even the prior night, and update the PMH and any other sections, based on documents received (ie: labs, x-rays, consult notes) since their last encounter. I open a copy of the patient's chart, make my edits, and forward the edited chart to a "phony provider" Inbox (named Reception in our practice). There it sits until the patient checks in, when the front desk person (logged in as "Reception") opens the chart, updates the insurance info and demographics if necessary, and then forwards it to my MA. She then puts the patient in the room, opens the chart, adds the CC & vitals, and then forwards it to me.
