The very first time the Extremity Exam window (figure 58) is opened, or at any time that it is necessary to change the Preferences functions for the Extremity Exam, click on the Preferences button at the upper right. The Preferences mini-window (figure 57) is where default options are selected for specific fields on the Extremity Exam screen. Entering the defaults in the Preferences window will save time when entering a new Extremity Exam for a patient. Note that each of these selections may be overridden when the Extremity Exam is being created.
Figure 57
The Preferences are computer specific. If there are multiple providers, each with his/her own computer, the Preferences can be set differently for each provider to enable the findings, report and SOAP notes to appear in the manner that each provider desires. In the event that there is only one computer shared by several providers, then it is critical that each Provider makes the appropriate selection manually on each visit.
In the Extremity Exam Preferences window there are several options including a section to determine how much of the Extremity Exam will appear in the today’s current SOAP note. Each of the selection boxes answers a question.
•Facility – where are the Muscle Tests usually performed. The selection list includes In Office and all the diagnostic centers that have been entered in the Diagnostic Imaging Catalog
•Prescribing Doctor – who is the doctor that ordered the Extremity Exam. This list includes all the providers in the practice as well as all the doctors that have been entered in the Referring Physicians Catalog.
•Soap Note Insertion – Most practices set the default as Entire Report. This means that the complete Extremity Exam will become part of today’s current SOAP note, provided that it is created prior to the generation of the SOAP note. However, there are those offices that prefer to include only a portion of the Extremity Exam in the SOAP note. If this is the case, click on Specific Sections and then check off the sections that should be included and leave the others unchecked.
After the selections have been completed, click the Save icon, which returns to the main Extremity Exam window. Even though it is performed while in one patient file, once the Preferences have been set, they apply to all patients.