Using an Existing Note (Dr. Barker)

Even better than using a PreCompleted note is re-using a prior note on this patient as the basis for the current note.  All the diagnosis stuff at the bottom is already there and frequently PE just needs updating. 

The second tab when you Add a note is “Existing”, click and you will see prior PowerNotes on this patient.  Using the check boxes you can filter the list when it gets long by looking only at your notes.   Generally you want to have “All encounters” checked for outpatients, “Current encounter” might make sense for inpatients. 

 

  Pick the note you want to use and then click OK.

 

  When you import a note this way it frequently comes into view in the “Display Note View”.  To change it so you can work on it click on the button in the upper right that says “Template View."

Couple of things to be mindful of – it has a tendency to include the vital signs of the original note and the current visit.  Click on and then “clear” the old ones if you want.   You may need to update the medication list – and sometimes it imports things like meds, allergies, and dx twice (old note and new AutoPopulate) doubleclick or right click and clear to get rid of older one. 

 You will need to add any new diagnoses and delete any you are not addressing at this visit in the diagnosis and management section.  Also remember to clear any physical, lab, or consult info that is not longer relevant.  But for many routine outpatient visits, and probably many inpatient days the last note might be a good place to start from for today’s note.