By Matt Levin, M.D.

• React to this article in the Discussion Forum.

1) If you dictate your notes, ask your transcriptionist to "save" your notes in ".txt" format. Most transcription companies use word processors already, and if you have your staff transcribe your notes in the office, consider switching to this format. At the minimum, this will give you a "file" of notes on each pt, forming a miniature CPR.

One MD tells me he uses this to "reassemble" missing charts, and can use some of the "search and find" features in his computer to search these files.

2) Consider using some of the affordable CPRs; one called SOAPware costs only $299, runs on Windows 95, and lets you, or your transcriptionist make a "profile" up on each pt containing medications, problem lists, etc. I've been using this format for several months now. (Note: I'm a user, not an employee of this company. I like it because it can run on a PC, and is customizable.) You can find more information at www.docs.com or email me.

3) Collect several notes from the office containing "regular pattern," such as H&Ps, URI, sore throat, HTN, routine DM check, or, if you're a specialist, post-op check, etc. Make up "checklist" notes; these will be valuable once a CPR is available to you, as most of these use some type of "template" entry to speed up submissions.

4) Learn to "type"! In one publication, doctors were cited as being computer "illiterate" because of lack of typing skills! There are lots of inexpensive self-teaching programs out there that can help.

5) Once you keep some of your records in a computerized setting, always print out hard copies for the chart.

6) Consider using a word processor to keep your office reminder lists, call-back lists, and such. These documents can be edited weekly, and a printout can remind you of pts who need callbacks, etc. The key to this is to have the computer readily accessible, in the work area, where staff (and the MD) can have it readily available. More computer savvy individuals can set up a "network" of computers to all access the same information from multiple sites, but this is not necessary! One PC alone can to the same job.

7) If you are waiting for a good price for a computer, think of getting one now. You can get a desktop PC, monitor, and printer for $1500 in many places. These systems feature modems for Internet access, large capacity. Some are not expandable, but in reality, this is probably not necessary in most cases.

The article posted at www.physiciansnews.com would imply that only "big systems" like Kaiser have the resources to form a CPR. I hope some of my observations are of help. Feel free to email me directly, or post here, your experiences. A dialogue would be to everyone's benefit.