I have downloaded the beta version and have been "playing around" with it today. Although there are a few nice new features I still have several recommendations that I think would be beneficial to see. Here is my new wish list:
1. Because I am one of those who still chooses to print out my encounters, I would like to be able to set my printing preferences as defaults. For example, all my notes would have my practice header unless I otherwise chose a different preferrence (there are too many drop down options). All my notes and letters would, by default, be printed on both sides of the paper while my scripts would be printed on one side only...I can then choose if I want them printed separately or altogether, an option which I now also have.
2. I would like the option of being able to simply print out the list of medicines without putting it on a script or having it included in the printable Summary Sheet. I like to give my patients a copy of their meds they can carry with them in their billfold.
3. I would like to be able to choose what is or is not printed on the Summary Sheet. For instance, I sometimes like to give patients a copy of their Summary Sheet (particularly if they are traveling and also, now that I use a Hospitalist, to take with them to the hospital) but I don't necessarily want them to have a printed record of all the "ALERTS" I may have placed on their chart, e.g. "NO NARCOTIC REFILLS" or "CHRONIC NO-SHOW"
4. I would like to have the option of the "Tracked Data" print out on the summary sheet so that, for instance, the Hospitalist knows the patient has had their colonoscopy or mammogram.
5. The medication drop down list still needs serious work.
6.The "Allergy" box on the encounter sheets needs to be much larger, and preferrably allow lined entries with room for explanation, e.g true allergy or intolerance to a medication.
6. I would like to have the ability to delete/cancel a medication once I have updated it and moved it to the precription window. Inevitably, patients will say "I need all my meds refilled", and then at the end say "oh, wait, I don't need such and such this time". As it is now, I have to close the whole window and start over.
7. I would still like to have a way to SAVE a chart without having to sign it and go through the code business. Many times we will have a patient call us back with the dose or name of a medication and my staff will correct it in the last encounter note but then when you save it, it looks like the patient actually had another office visit that day.
8. I would like to have a separate window or box of some kind where I can list pertinent OTC meds (e.g. ASA) without having them listed along with the prescription meds. This way, when I refill all of a patient's scripts I can do just that and not have to remove the OTC drugs.
9. When printing the Summary Sheet, it should default to "Active History". The Inactive History Box should be checked only if desired.
I am sure I will come up with other wishes but all in all, I am still very pleased with AC and I am happy to see some of the users' prior concerns addressed in this new version.
Leslie Strouse, M.D.
