5 Tips To Hide Cpt Codes From Progress Notes In Eclinicalworks

Navigating through the intricacies of electronic health records (EHR) can sometimes be daunting, particularly when you want to ensure patient privacy and data security. One such concern is the visibility of CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes in progress notes when using eClinicalWorks. These codes are essential for billing and reporting, but there might be instances where you want to keep them hidden from progress notes for various reasons, such as maintaining confidentiality or streamlining documentation. Here are five practical tips to help you effectively hide CPT codes in eClinicalWorks.

1. Utilize Custom Note Templates

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to manage the visibility of CPT codes in progress notes is by creating custom note templates. By customizing templates, you can design them to include only the necessary information while omitting sensitive details such as CPT codes.

Steps to Create Custom Templates:

• Navigate to Settings.
• Select Templates from the dropdown menu.
• Click on Add New Template and choose the type of note (e.g., Progress Note).
• Edit the template to exclude CPT codes by removing any references or fields associated with them.

This not only keeps your documentation tidy but also ensures that your notes remain focused on patient care without unnecessary coding clutter.

2. Adjust User Permissions

Another strategy to hide CPT codes from progress notes is by adjusting user permissions. By restricting access to certain functionalities within eClinicalWorks, you can limit who can view or edit specific parts of a note, including CPT codes.

How to Adjust Permissions:

• Go to Administration settings.
• Click on User Roles.
• Select the user role you want to edit.
• Modify permissions regarding access to billing and coding features.

Implementing this measure helps ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive coding information, thus enhancing privacy.

3. Use the Progress Notes Lock Feature

eClinicalWorks provides a locking feature that can be beneficial for controlling what information is displayed in progress notes. When a note is locked, it can prevent further modifications, thus ensuring that CPT codes cannot be inadvertently included.

To Lock a Progress Note:

• Open the progress note you wish to lock.
• Look for the Lock Note option, usually found in the options toolbar.
• Confirm the action, and your note will be locked from edits.

This step is crucial, especially after a patient encounter when all documentation is finalized, helping to protect patient information effectively.

4. Leverage the EHR’s Customization Options

eClinicalWorks offers various customization settings that allow you to modify how information is displayed across the system. By adjusting these settings, you can choose to hide specific fields, including CPT codes, from appearing in your progress notes.

Customization Steps:

• Navigate to Settings.
• Select Customization Options.
• Choose the Fields to Hide option.
• Select CPT codes and any other fields you wish to hide from notes.

Utilizing this feature ensures that only relevant information is displayed to the healthcare providers, streamlining the documentation process while enhancing patient confidentiality.

5. Train Staff on Best Practices

Finally, a vital component in managing CPT code visibility is training your staff on best practices. Ensuring that your team understands the importance of keeping certain information private and how to use eClinicalWorks effectively will significantly reduce the risk of unintentional disclosures.

Key Training Points:

• Emphasize the importance of patient confidentiality.
• Provide guidance on using custom templates and locking notes.
• Ensure staff know how to modify user permissions.

Regular training sessions not only improve your team's proficiency with the software but also foster a culture of privacy awareness.

<table> <tr> <th>Tips</th> <th>Benefits</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Utilize Custom Note Templates</td> <td>Focuses on patient care, excluding unnecessary codes.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Adjust User Permissions</td> <td>Limits access to sensitive information to authorized staff only.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Use the Progress Notes Lock Feature</td> <td>Prevents further edits, securing documented information.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Leverage Customization Options</td> <td>Hides irrelevant fields to streamline notes.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Train Staff on Best Practices</td> <td>Increases awareness of privacy and efficient use of the system.</td> </tr> </table>

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the above tips provide a solid framework for hiding CPT codes, you may encounter issues along the way. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Problem: Custom templates do not save changes.

  • Solution: Ensure you have the necessary permissions and try refreshing the page after making changes.

• Problem: Locked notes can still be viewed by all staff.

  • Solution: Double-check user permissions to ensure locking functionality is respected within roles.

• Problem: CPT codes still appear after customization.

  • Solution: Revisit the customization settings and confirm that the specific fields have been properly selected for hiding.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I hide CPT codes from all users?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, by adjusting user permissions and customizing templates, you can restrict visibility of CPT codes across user roles.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What should I do if a CPT code is still appearing in notes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Ensure that you have saved your custom settings and double-check that the fields are set to be hidden in the customization options.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I ensure my staff understands the importance of hiding CPT codes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Regular training sessions highlighting the significance of patient privacy and hands-on practice with eClinicalWorks can foster understanding among staff.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

In summary, successfully hiding CPT codes from progress notes in eClinicalWorks not only protects patient confidentiality but also streamlines your documentation process. Implementing the tips mentioned above can help you create a more efficient workflow while ensuring compliance with privacy standards.

Engaging with eClinicalWorks is an ongoing learning journey, so take the time to familiarize yourself with the software, utilize the resources available, and don’t hesitate to seek further training. Remember, the more you practice and explore related tutorials, the more proficient you will become in managing your EHR effectively.

<p class="pro-note">🌟Pro Tip: Always ensure to periodically review your templates and permissions to keep them updated and relevant.</p>