Dragon Naturally Speaking Version 9.4

I recently purchased Dragon naturally speaking version 9.4 and tested it with the ICANotes Internet Version.

This voice recognition software worked extremely well for me. I was able to speak in my normal tone of voice and at a normal conversational rate and my words were quickly and accurately converted to printed text.


The only problem was that when I attempted to use Dragon's editing commands, to correct the occasional mistake, they did not work. This problem occurs because ICANotes is being run remotely, via the internet, using special software for that purpose.

However, Dragon has a simple solution for this problem of attempting to dictate into what they call a "non-standard window." With a voice command I opened the "Dictation Box." Dictating into the Dictation Box is fast and accurate and mistakes are easily edited there using the standard Dragon editing commands.

When the dictation into this box was complete and corrected to my satisfaction the command "Transfer" caused the text to be instantaneously transferred to the ICANotes field.

By the way, the version of Dragon that I purchased was the Standard Edition and cost $89. A microphone headset was included. I was pleased to note that the program had no trouble recognizing the names of most of the psychotropics and was easily trained to recognize the others.

Custom User Buttons

Several bugs that were causing custom user buttons to behave erratically have been fixed. Custom user buttons are now click-able, modifiable, and deletable in all screens.

Change to Shrub Format

Text fields made half size.

User will note that the text fields in shrubs have been reduced in size.

This was done to make the shrub buttons faster.

Eating Disorder and OCD Shrubs

Eating Disorder and OCD are buttons on the HPI page of a New or Complete Evaluation. These buttons are in the "Patient has symptoms of..." section of the left sided button array.

Both buttons now take the user to Shrubs, instead of the former button array format.

Status of the "New Internet Version (Version 8.0)"

What Version Am I Using?

If your opening screen is "Find a Patient" you are using the old version. If your opening screen is the "Chart Room" you are using version 8.0.


What's the Difference?

Version 8.0 is faster, more intuitive to navigate, and contains many "shrubs", which are button arrays that branch, and allow more details to be recorded with button pushes. Many of the features in the old version have been refined and streamlined in version 8.0.

When Will I be Upgraded to the New Version?

We have stopped making predictions of this sort. However, we are close. Version 8.0 has been amply tested by more than 100 current users and is running smoothly and stably.

However, in order to accommodate all users on version 8.0 we have to put into place multiple servers with multiple copies of version 8.0. We cannot do that until we have developed a way to keep all copies identical. We are calling that Version Update Management (VUM), and it means that when we make a fix or add a new feature in one copy we can automatically duplicate the change in all copies. This feature is close to completion and as soon as it is ready we will begin to migrate users from the old version to version 8.0.

How Will the Upgrade Happen?

We plan to migrate users and their records to the version 8.0 one user and one group at a time. We will contact you when your turn comes, show you the new features of the new version, and then migrate your records over a weekend. The transition should be seamless from your point of view. One Monday, when you connect, it will be to the New Version and all your records and settings will be there for you.

Is there a lot to learn in the New Version?

No. Current users of the Old version will find version 8.0 easy and intuitive to use.

Problem Fix: Time spent counseling for E/M with Psychotherapy coding

Problem Fix: Drop down list limited to three choices


FIX: On the layout "Today, Therapist Focused on..." the time length of Psychotherapy given has been limited to the following: 20-30 minutes, 45-50 minutes, and 75-80 minutes, in accord with E/M standards. With one of these time lengths selected, the ICANotes program will select the correct E/M with Psychotherapy code.

Explanation: The Time Spent in Session drop down field had numerous time lengths, many added by users. However, only the three time lengths above are recognized for coding purposes, so users will have to fit their actual time into one of those categories.

Welcome to the ICANotes Blog

Welcome!

This is the place to get the latest information about bug and problem fixes, new features, and the status of ICANotes development.

As always, your comments and suggestion are warmly welcomed.