Psychiatrists

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Every thing I have had to say about this program in the Full Description pertains to you. I thought I would add a few things here because of the nature of our practice and the need for record keeping.

• Records
  • Use templates or not as you choose.
  • A number of psychiatrists have an outline in their mind so that they prefer free text.
  • A free utility works well with CRK Plus It is an abbreviation function and really helps your data entry.
    • I use phrases like Best regards, Sincerely and my signature for letters.
    • I also have phrases like nosui(space bar)= No suicidal ideation, plan or intent noted after careful questioning. How about incon(space bar) for Informed consent given after discussion of risks, and potential side effects and benefits.
    • I use rxgiv for Rxgiven and then I type in the Rx.
    • The result is fast and easy data entry.
  • I do use a lapboard with my laptop on my lap during med management sessions.
  • It is absolutely essential for me and is quite efficient.
  • Patients don't mind and would quickly tell me if they objected.
  • For therapy and med management I put the lapboard and laptop on a low bookcase near where I sit and grab it when I need to.
  • The transparent nature of the file structure means that I can quickly access the Weekly Visit and Receipt record to enter the session when someone comes in. Then I go to their chart.
  • I can also access my templates which I use for Lamictal directions, Medication directions, informational sheets about meds, migraine dietary information, etc.
  • I carry my laptop to a printer at the end of the session and print out what they need.
  • Notes for work absence, back to work notes, etc.
  • For disability reports I plug in my USB microphone and use Dragon to dictate it.
  • Mouse commands and Dragon is a lethal combination for reports. I knock them off in record time.
  • I use the faxing function quite a bit. I fax letters to primary care doctors, consultants, or colleagues from within the program.
  • I can send any letter by email. I simply put in the destination E-mail address, use Outlook, and encrypt the whole thing with a cheap and easy encryption program. I can save the letter either in CRK Plus, or in an encrypted vault that is a separate drive. (It is free and works like a charm).
  • I can sign any document in CRK Plus using a $29 utility.
  • This makes it possible to fax prescriptions anywhere as well.
    • The grouped medication template can be used to good effect here. Simply edit it next time, sign it and off it goes.
  • It may seem as if I am doing a lot here, and that automatic functions might be easier.
  • I don't find that they are. I try out demos of the major programs or have bought most of them and few of them are really easy.
  • They just look like they would be with lots of click boxes, etc. I have worked out what to my mind are better alternatives.
  • The most interesting thing is that the more the big programs do everything, the less well they do the record keeping part of things.
• Prescriptions
  • I either hand write them, or use the grouped medication template.
  • The Current Medication section is fast and easy.
  • I put in the date with the date entry command.
  • The tab key and typing enters everything else.
  • It sounds awkward but it isn't.
  • I manage about 220 active outpatients with this method.
  • I can fax prescriptions to a pharmacy if I so choose.
  • I can access all the information at home for phone calls and Rx renewals. Drug reactions are much easier to deal with if you know what they are on, the history of allergies, etc.
  • I can send outpatient treatment requests by fax from home if I want.
  • I have everyone's phone number available.
  • I can document phone calls if I need to.
• I have a demo for CRKPlus. Because I have other software demos also, please tell me you want the CRK Plusdemo and I can e-mail it to you for download.  It takes about 20" to install everything.

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Charles M. Stewart, M.D.     E-mail:    Charles M. Stewart, M.D.

Copyright 2006 Charles M. Stewart All rights reserved.