CRIS-Windows 32 Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: MD spell checker. If an analyst overrides the MD spell checker when by adding an new MD to a chart, is that MD also saved into the MD address database?

A: No. The MD is only added to that particular chart. The analyst should either (1) go to the MD address database and add the MD with service code, address, and phone number, or (2) pass the information along to the person responsible for adding new MD's to the MD address database. The CRIS Message function (under the Utility menu) would be an excellent way to pass the message along to another person, without interrupting work flow.

Q: CRIS messages. What does the CRIS message item (on Utility menu) do?

A: It is like an internal email system for CRIS users. Click on it and try it out. You can easily send a message to someone on the next shift, to a supervisor, etc.. The next time they sign into CRIS they'll get your message. You can use it to tell someone a doctor is stopping by with a problem, to say you couldn't locate a chart, to ask that a new MD be added to the address database, to ask how to do something, etc..

Q: User signon. Other users are using the computer with my signon name. How can I avoid that?

A: When you leave the computer, click on the Signon button on the button bar. This will require that the next person sign on with their name and password. Of course the department should also have a signon list (Utilities, Lists) with passwords. Note also that you can have CRIS automatically enable the Signon screen after 3 minutes of waiting at the main menu/button bar (Options, Miscellaneous).

Q: Controlling Infrequent users. We have nurses and others who occasionally need to look up a chart in CRIS. How can I make sure they won't mess up our data when they are in?

A: Create a signon name such as NURSE (Utilities, Lists, Signon). Then give them rights only to the Search function. Or if a user also needs to be able to view the incomplete data and print out occasional pull lists, or reports, also give them access to CRIS View data. This allows the user to see the data, but not edit it.

Q: Using the keyboard to its fullest. Why do I have to use the mouse to click on the next field to enter data?

A: You don't. Windows programs use the Tab key to move from one field to the next. If you want to move 2 fields down, press the Tab key twice. Also notice that we've modified the Incomplete tab windows to allow you to type in a medical record number to go to, then to simply hit the Enter key. When a chart is complete and ready to go to Master Tracker, we've added a bar code on the deficiency sheet to allow you to simply wand to send it to Master Tracker. We're constantly seeking more efficient ways for you to add/edit data. If you have an idea for a better way, give us a call.

Q: Why is there an Assign color button in Analysis?

A: The Assign color button enables you to assign color tabs to an MD, without putting all the color tabs directly in the Analysis deficiency set. Thus the deficiency set can be much shorter and quicker to use. To setup this up, select Utilities, then Edit deficiency sets. Then click on the Color button and put in the colors for the tabs you use. Also select the deficiency sets, and delete the deficiencies that related to color tabs.

Q: When Residents dictate, and Attendings Sign, who do I put on Hold?

A: CRIS automatically links Residents to Attendings through the use of the W code together with a dictation code. For example the Attending might have deficiencies AW1" and the Resident deficiency A1". On the Completion screen, Incomplete tab, go to the Resident's data line and click the To Hold button. If there is an Attending with a W and a matching dictation this will (1) delete the Resident; and (2) put the Attending on Hold; and (3) remove the W code from the Attending. If there is no Attending with a W and a matching dictation code, CRIS will show a message to that effect and ask what you want to do. Note: if you just went to the Attending's data line and clicked To Hold, it wouldn't work correctly - the W code would stay with the Attending, and the Resident would stay on Incomplete.