The ChiroPadEMR system automatically defaults to entering the current date. On some occasions it is necessary to complete a SOAP note 1 or 2 days after the patient was in the office (Medicare and most states allow a window of 72 hours from the time of the visit to complete the SOAP note). If the SOAP note is being created for yesterday or the day before, click on the drop down arrow in the Date box and select the correct visit date for the SOAP note.
WARNING: There are some doctors that do not complete the SOAP notes within the 72 hour time frame. In the event of an audit, the auditor will find out that the SOAP note was created outside the 72 hour time limit, which can lead to accusations of fraud. How? ALL certified software maintains an Audit Log of every item created, modified (edited), created, or only accessed. The auditors know where to find this Audit Log in the software and any discrepancy could result in accusations of fraud. If there is ever a need to enter something in a patient file more than 72 hours after the visit, be sure to enter it as an Addendum, including the date of the Addendum, who is making the entry, why it is being made, and what the entry is.