Search Preferences

If appropriate, users have the option to configure the Advanced Patient Search feature as the default method for searching for patients when they type on the grid. Additionally, some organizations may want to use its features as a check for duplicate patients when new patients are created. To set search preferences, select one or both of the following search preferences by clicking the checkbox next to the appropriate option.

• Typing on the grid brings up Advanced Patient Search

Typing on the grid will always work as a method for selecting a patient; however, if the organization is large and has several patients who have similar names or if a user simply prefers the additional functionality of the Advanced search screen, Appointments can be configured to use the Advanced Patient Select by default. Simply click the checkbox next to this option.

• When using Advanced Patient Search, direct keystrokes to

As an additional feature, if you choose this patient selection method as the default for typing on the grid, you have the option to select the field on which the search will focus. The default is the Last Name. Click the drop-down to choose an alternative from the following options:

1. First Name
2. MR Number
3. Social Security Number
4. Birth Date

Consider the following scenario for users who have elected to use the advanced search and have selected MR Number as the focus:

1. Begin typing on the grid. The Advanced Patient Search screen will appear with the text you type in whatever your chosen focus field is.



The focus is in the example database above is MR Number. The search screen will display with whatever text you type, regardless if it is appropriate for the data selected as the focus, so some consideration should be given as to what data element best fits with your normal workflow.

2. Continue typing information in your focus as needed.
3. Enter additional search parameters as needed.
4. Configure the search options.
5. Click Search to locate the desired patient.
• Show Advanced Patient Search on New Patient

Select this option to have the Advanced Patient Search screen appear automatically whenever a user creates a new patient. In doing so, users can poll the database with the search utility to ensure that duplicate patients are not being creating.