I have a laptop that I just set on the exam table (chairs are on the opposite side) if the patient is in a chair, otherwise I just hold it on my lap and talk to them on the table.
I try to keep as much eye contact as possible. With one exception, I have never needed to explain or justify my use of the chart. One family member recently complained about me typing, and asked if I couldn't just hire a scribe. That ticked me off considering her mother was Medicare!
