Home Forums Discussions General Discussion Medical problem lists and lab result flow sheets

I am trying out AC before opening my solo/solo practice in July. In my present practice's paper chart we have a data base page that has basic information including family hx, screening tests done and when, and chronic medical problems. On the facing page we have acute problems. I find both of the pages very helpful in knowing generally about the patient and quickly finding out how many times they have had a UTI or sinusitis or which ankle they sprained two years ago, etc.

My first question: Is there any functionality in AC that would replicate the acute and chronic problem list? If so could it extract the information directly from the Past Medical History and the Assessment or would it require double entry?

I have taken to making a lab flow sheet for my patients so that I can quickly see how their Hct or LDL or PSA, etc. is changing over time.

My second question: Is there any functionality in AC that would allow for this kind of tracking? If there is not can one create a link to a spreadsheet that has this information that from within the patients chart you could quickly open?

I apologize if these questions have been previously discussed. I would welcome being pointed in the direction of the appropriate thread in the discussion group.

Chad

Chad,we are using the beta version and the Summary Sheet tab of the chart allows for a quick view of active and inactive problems and meds. This same tab also has the "track data" section to input whatever parameters you would like to track on that pt. I like that the page has a nice look when printed and looks great when sending it along with the office notes when referring a patient. I have played around with a couple of very simple excel files to track immunizations as i'm not thrilled with the current vaccine look, but havent decided on anything permanent.

There is but one problem list - and you could make it active and inactive problems, but not acute and chronic. And it does not populate from past medical history - however it DOES populate from Assessment section when you select ICD-9 codes (automatically goes into active problem list). I do like the patient data tracking feature but it does require someone to put it in for you the data cannot be imported automatically in the tracking section from labs (that I know of). An interesting snapshot of the patient can be created if you or your MA uste the CC: window to indicate what the patient is there for (instead of "follow-up" or "check-up." That way you can look at past encounters (which are listed by CC) and you can see what they were there for on what date. I use PMH section to keep track of when MMG, colonoscopy, DEXA scan PAP smears or yearly tests are due and use the PLAN section to indicate when future labs are due (and carry that over from visit to visit until ordered). Good luck. I'm sure you can find a way to make this program work for you.
-Santos

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

Bert, I'm having trouble getting an understanding of using the Excell. Would you send me one of yours as a sample? clinic@web-access.net At this point, then, I guess you have to input all the data (lab values)onto the Excell. Does this then become imported as part of the AC chart? Also, I noticed that the Past Medical History does not print out with the encounter form? Could you address this. As a trial user, I'm still worried this is going to take sooo much longer to keep up with. Peggy

Peggy,

I'm sorry. Many of the threads I am on do not send me a notification. I will answer your questions tonight.