short key is a software that i use from shortkeys.com
they do have a free limited version - short keys lite
it allows me to create and save templates for frequently used typed words / paragraphs - short or long.
i find this helpful in addition to amazing charts templates.
about entries into cc;
i also try to use patient's words.
however, since the past encounter tab will show the 'cc'
sometimes, and not all the time, i will use the patients own words; then will [bracket a couple of my own words]
ie, for a rash, it might be
rash; [scabies]
or rash; [atopic derm]
and as we know sometimes the chief complaint may not relate to the diagnosis in an obvious way
unable to sleep; [asthma]
