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Topic starter
Our practice is looking for another solution for communication within the office that is something other than a phone note or flag/alert message. We are a multispeciality group that is sending flags/alerts for almost everything and it seems that some are being lost or removed in the shuffle. The providers are not a fan of the phone note as it does not always pertain or read as communication other than just a phone message/corr. Is anyone using another VFE form for this type of communication between staff and physicians/staff to staff?
Posted : June 23, 2017 6:24 am
We use a combination of all of the above depending on the situation. If it does not need to be documented in a patient chart they often use alerts and flags still. The phone note is used for correspondence with the patient and outside entities (ie. Doc Offices) and we have a form that is very similar to a phone note for "internal messaging" that we use to communicate about scheduling, authorizations, etc.
Posted : June 23, 2017 6:46 am
Topic starter
Thanks gibsonmi. Has it improved workflow or do you still find that you are looking for a better solution?
Posted : June 23, 2017 7:19 am
It has improved it, before we had occasional doctors complaining that conversations in phone notes were not really phone notes, and occasionally flags deleted that should have been saved (which still happens but is rare). We still have issues with timeliness of response, it isn't any easier or faster to respond in a document then it is to reply to an alert. But other than using tools outside of the EMR such as phone calls and instant messaging, I don't see what else we can do about that. Overall I think it has helped and I would recommend taking that step.
Posted : June 23, 2017 7:40 am
Can recommend the same approach. I also used it in a multi-specialty residency program for attending-resident communication on their precept form. It worked well and provided a record of official communication needed to fulfill program requirements.
A note of caution:
To remain persistent, the text should be stored as an obsterm. Be careful to not translate this in the chart note. You might also want to post a warning to users that the text is saved as part of the patient chart and, though hidden from normal view, it is discoverable should the chart be subpoenaed, so don't write anything they would not want to defend in court. It may be possible to designate the obsterm as 'internal communication' in an attempt to exclude it, but this varies by state and federal statue, so it would be best to consult your organizational legal team for guidance and possible policy draft.
Posted : June 26, 2017 6:12 am
