Home Forums Discussions General Discussion new user questions

I am just starting to add patients to AC. Sorry, but I have a few questions that must have been asked numerous times before. Is there a FAQ for this type of question? My searches are bringing up way too many responses to be helpful.

1. I am a pcp. Is there a place to list the patient's specialist (cardiologist, psych, etc) names and phone numbers?

2. Where do I add surgical history, like history of chole or C-section?

I appreciate any advice y'all can offer.

1) If you add them to the AC Rolodex, you can list them in the demographics Consultant tab.

2)Past Medical History on the chart note. Or make a special page and import it into the chart.

Thank you!

When adding patients, is there a way to specify the "Patient ID"? The field just says "NEW" and doesn't let me modify it.

Also, is there a way to change the ID on charts that have already been added?

I believe you must use numbering system that AC has and cannot make changes. You can use optional demographics fields to store another number like a hospital number if you wish.

Dont feel bad mhelm...I have used this system (AC) for 7 years and learn every day.

Thanks, y'all.

I have been preloading old charts into AC by creating a new encounter with an old date, 1/1/2000, to type in the past medical history and such. What are the minimum fields that I need to fill out to avoid being penalized by the meaningful use statistics? I have been adding vitals. Do I need a CPT code and a diagnosis?

Keep in mind that the MU stats are calculated for a period of time (e.g. 90 days for 2011). Visits are not counted until they are signed-off. So... if your visit date is 2000, it won't count against you.

Is there a master price list in AC? I have been adding prices to the superbill as I have been going along. Now, I would like one of the staff to put in the rest of the prices. I have been poking around in the admin section, but haven't seen it.

You can set your fee schedule for individual codes. Just View-->Codes and then edit the codes and fee schedule.

Hello AC Community! I am a new user (solo Gastro), just trying to get set up in the most efficient way, this is basically week one. I was looking for a 'Pathway' that an established user may have already posted to guide me, but didn't find it on search here, but admit even the User Board is daunting to a novice like myself. So far I have installed AC on my office server, registered it, applied for e-scripts, ordered some prescription blanks, ordered an Epson scanner, installed a computer cam (pix are distorted, see I need to crop to a square format, but haven't tried that yet), and created/imported a transparent e-signature for signing reports. Still contemplating shelling out $1600 for Medical Dragon as am slow typist. Figure next steps are: editing/customizing Orders (nursing, lab, rad); office Rolodex for letters; CPT charges; and templates for ROS, & PE for various E/M encounter levels. Does this sound about right? Missing anything obvious? Thanks for any suggestions!

JSams,
Sounds like you have it well thought out and are on the right track. I am not aware such a "pathway" exists as there are so many different configurations and different practice types. My advice would be to take it one step at a time. Most users here glad to help. Once you have many specific questions, post each as a separate topic. That makes it easier for us to respond. Good luck. You didn't mention if you were going for meaningful use. Don't worry. Even if you do a poor job in Jan 2012, what matters if the average over the whole year. Oh, and one more thing, before Bert chimes in - you left out a backup plan :-)

Time is money. Dragon will save you both and pay for itself very quickly. Don't skimp on the microphone. If you plan to dictate at your desk, I would highly recommend the SpeechWare 3-in-1 table mike. I wasted a lot of money buying and throwing away cheaper mics until I learned my lesson.

Dave

Hi JSams,
you can search for a series of posts called "Blog of a Newbie [I-IV]"
I posted these about four years ago. While it's by no means a recipe to startup, it documents some of the steps I went through from a paper chart system to Amazing Charts.

Hi JSams,

As I usually state, it would be helpful to either change your username (not your login name -- you can't anyway), and/or add a signature as stated below.

Also, I would consider a robust backup system.

Otherwise, you look like you are far ahead of me.

Oh, and some people on here swear by UpDox.