PhraseExpander

"Expands" my EHR's capabilities

Aspetti positivi:

Allows me to save a lot of keystrokes with the repetitive things I type as I document my patient encounters. I bill based on documented work, but talking and counseling patients doesn't get documented, so if I give the same or very similar advice over and over (diet counseling, exercise counseling, etc.), PhraseExpander gives me the ability to quickly enter that information.

Aspetti negativi:

I wish it had actual check boxes, but that's a limitation also in the web-based cloud EHR I use, so even if PhraseExpander had it, I couldn't use it.

I did research to find the best text expansion program available for Windows; PEx does even more.

Commenti: -Saves me time: about ten hours per month, demonstrably.
-Keeps my right wrist healthy: the more I can use PhraseExpander for input or switch to different windows or applications, the less I use the mouse.
-Cuts down on "menial" activity like typing, tracking, file renaming.
-Makes work more interesting because I think of ways to use PhraseExpander to speed up my projects.

Aspetti positivi:

* Saves me about ten hours per month in typing, looking up numbers or phrases, flipping clipboard snippets, and switching apps/windows. * Data: Keeps detailed statistics. * Interface to the shortcuts is very detailed and flexible, allowing user to group and sort in many different ways. * I like the ability to toggle Auto Expansion on or off with a lightning bolt icon, for each and every snippet. * Easy to duplicate an existing snippet and tweak it for another use, another state, another facility... * Provides automatic inline search, a great help if I haven' t memorized an assigned keystroke yet. * Can easily set up a few expansions to start... later when you're more familiar with it, go back and organize the interface or flesh them out. * Customer service is very responsive; the developer has personally helped me a couple times. For Mac users: PhraseExpander is like a strange marriage between TextExpander, Alfred and Keyboard Maestro. It has greatly improved my workday relationship with Windows.

Aspetti negativi:

*Could be used as a Launcher, except it doesn't index commands or locations automatically; must be set individually. *There was some learning curve the first two weeks; I definitely had to look some things up online or in the manual. *Would like to be able to sort the statistics data, I could mine it for more ideas.

Expensive can use only on few machines

Commenti: Except being expensive and restrictive policy in terms of number of machines it can be installed I think it is very good.

Aspetti positivi:

It is easy to use , it works and make life easier feels like everything is on your fingertips.

Aspetti negativi:

It used to be unlimited now limited to 5 or 6 machines. I think it should be allowed at least on 10 machines. During this pandemic we have home. office actual office and lap tops for comfort you easily run out of number of computers you can install it on. why went from unlimited to very limited.??

Best way to save time

Commenti: The software works very well and support is superb. I cannot imagine not using this anymore and during out classes about entrepreneurship I always mention to the students to consider this.

Aspetti positivi:

This software enables me to quickly fill in information in emails, documents, websites and anywhere where I need to write text. Not only text can be expanded based in certain combinations of character of shortcuts but also customized via forms. Before we copied and pasted text and adjusted it but this was time consuming and mistakes where made. Now the variable pieces of text can be adjusted with a form and this helps me to not forget about each think I need to addapt. Also correction of typing is very useful. Sharing is also very useful. I create form on one laptop and on my other laptopn everything is synced> I can imagine that this is also useful in a company with several employees.

Aspetti negativi:

The basics of the forms are quite easy to implement but sometimes I need some additional time to figure out how to tackle a problem in the forms. Working with the variables can sometimes be complicated because this is not something I do daily. Sometimes that is why I procratinate sometimes making a certain form. However, support is great and fast. And when the form is finally ready it saves a tremendous amount of time.

Save time and cut down on typos!

Commenti: The program is really good and the customer service is excellent. I've run into a few bumps (see "cons" above) but so far nothing that has made me want to go back to a different utility.

Aspetti positivi:

I really love the automation, variables, flow, and data features. I'm continually finding new ways to put them to use to save time and improve accuracy and consistency.

Aspetti negativi:

1. I'd like more flexibility in terms of what can be used as the expansion key. For over 20 years using other expansion software I used the semicolon and I'm having a very hard time breaking that habit. 2. I wish the popup suggestions window was wider to show more of the description. I have a lot of templates that all start the same way but end differently. 3. I wish the order of the suggestions could be rearranged to override alphabetic order. For example, "ht" suggests "hemithyroid" and "hypertension." Since I use hypertension much more often than hemithyroid, I would choose to have hypertension be at the top of the list. 4. I wish I didn't have to open PE and use my mouse to activate/deactivate glossaries. My other program had the ability to switch glossaries with a key combination and I really miss that.

Versatile solution without any real limits

Aspetti positivi:

It is boundless in its application. I have been using PhraseExpander for over 5 years. I used it as an IT Administrator, and I use it in my current, transitional job as a manager of the Friends University Cyber Security Lab. I am also full-time student in the Marriage and Family Therapy masters program at Friends Univerity,and I use it constantly in my client documentation. From CLI commands in Unix to filling out a DSM-5 diagnosis, PhraseExpander doesn't let me down.

Aspetti negativi:

The autoupdate is not so "auto" in the Sharing feature. I have autoupdate configured, but if I make a change in a template, then that change will not update until I "Send Changes". So, if I make a change and forget to sycn, then that change won't be there on my other device. I will say, though, I was having to make a backup and restore the database if I wanted it on more than one device. Sharing is a HUGE benefit. Coupled with Microsoft OneDrive, it does work fabulously.

The BEST program ever created, hands down! 100 Stars

Commenti: I have been using this program since 2014 - that means it's been 7 years! Holy moly. That should be a testament to my overall experience with PhraseExpander. LOL - I don't even know how to type the date anymore, my "dd" shortcut has saved me HOURS I'm sure in the last 7 years by simply NOT typing the date! This program also makes excel formulas really easy to use. I have a few formulas that I use every single day but the data is potentially in different cells so this saves me a ton of time too. I honestly couldn't imagine my machine without it.

Aspetti positivi:

The ease of setup! I was able to set up the program within minutes and learned how to use it in hours. Many programs are out there but you need a freaking IT degree to set them up (they do this on purpose, i think) - not this one! It's literally created to be EASY and SIMPLE to use for the everyday person. It's really the most important thing about this program.

Aspetti negativi:

Honestly, I liked the previous setup screen than the newest update.......... but that's just me. I feel like the previous UI was a little easier to use.

Great way to save time in typing

Commenti: Overall PhraseExpander is a great time saver when typing frequently used phrases. It keeps things organized and it very easy to add, edit, and upload phrases

Aspetti positivi:

I use this software when teaching to pull up frequently used phrases. I like that you can easily add, edit, and even upload glossaries of phrases. Huge time saver when teaching and we use some phrases very often

Aspetti negativi:

There are lots of steps you have to take to create some personalized phrases - like fill in the blank phrases

Easy to use software but ...

Commenti: First I tested it and figured very quick out that only the Professional version fits my needs because I needed the dynamic templates. Now I don't want miss all the features PhraseExpander offers me. It saves me each day a lot of time by autofill things what I use on daily basis.

Aspetti positivi:

That it is easy to use this software. Also easy to customize to your own needs Saves a lot of time.

Aspetti negativi:

The license model. That means that usual a license starts when you buy a license or upgrade one. At prase expander if you bought it for example in March and renew your subscription for example in July of next year your subscripton runs then not from July to July it runs then from July to March of the following year.

Great time saver

Commenti: Phrase expander has been great! We can now chart more quickly and efficiently. Not only have the macros helped to fill in quick templates, but we can now use it to query data from different formulas and questionnaires. When charting before we had to open a excel file, fill in all the data, transfer the data back into the chart then upload the whole excel file into the chart. With 6 doctors, trying to make sure we had the correct file was even more time consuming, and we had to worry about patient data stored on our hard drives. Now everything is calculated and entered directly into the chart for easy access and easier compliance.

Aspetti positivi:

Reduces significant time while charting.

Aspetti negativi:

There are a few extra steps to input into a flash text field.

I use this program constantly. I could not function without it.

Commenti: Saves HUNDREDS of hours. More accurate charting / less typos. Faster than dictation. Faster and using Dragon. I use both Dragon with this program to make custom charts. (So not all notes are identical.)
Spend more time with patients / less looking at the "box."
Every physician needs this! Much better then other programs I have used.

Aspetti positivi:

Reliable. FAST. Able to customize phrases on the fly. Easy to view a list and organize my HUNDREDS of macro phrases. Back-up on-line via drop box and keep ALL my 13 computers + 2 laptops up-to-date.

Aspetti negativi:

I quickly get rusty and creating new more complicated phrases/macros. I have to review the on-line tutorials before making large complex macros. More menu-driven would be easier. Updates are great.. but seems to always have some new update to install.

Excellent For Medical Notes

Commenti: Excellent, very useable and time saving software. Definitely recommend even if you think you would save a little time because in the end it will save you a lot of time.

Aspetti positivi:

The software is excellent at what it does, which is expand shortcuts to pre-defined text. In addition the customisable components make it much more useful, particularly when entering medical notes.

Aspetti negativi:

The main issue I have come across is the lack of a portable version. As a healthcare worker moving across various working environment as systems you cannot always install software such as this, especially if it ties in to a licence. A version that you could run in a browser or install without admin privileges and use across multiple computers (one at a time of course, with a licence) would make this much more useful and practical. For this reason I have had to use alternative software but would be desperate to use PhraseExpander if such functional was enabled.

Very good program that does what it is expected to do.

Aspetti positivi:

The ability to create boiler plate text. Auto correct spelling mistakes. They are continuing to make improvements.

Aspetti negativi:

How to remember all the names of the boiler plate text.... not sure how this can be done but would be nice to have some kind of drop down or recall system.

Saves time and makes text templates easy.

Commenti: As a physician, I type the same thing over and over again in multiple notes. It was very easy to program and create my own note templates using PhraseExpander and save a ton of time letting me use my own personalized templates. It lets me bypass IT and multiple committees and gives me the ability to create all my own personalized templates with ease, saving me lots of time typing.

Aspetti positivi:

Easy to use and saves tons of time.

Aspetti negativi:

Sorta costly with some initial learning curve hurdles. The price is worth it in time saved though and version 5.0 will make the note templates very easy to create making this a easier to use very good template software rivaling that of some of the big EMRs (without the need for IT and multiple committees).

Couldn't live without it!!

Commenti: This program makes the difference between a professional healthcare note and one that is lacking. It takes the agony out of writing excellent notes and allows us doctors to focus on the patient as much as possible. Truly one of a kind, as I've tried other "look alike" programs and this one is in a different league all together. The program feels like it was made just for us and anticipates what we need as far as features and ease of use. Technical support is unbelievably good and responsive. You feel like your business is truly important to the company, and I believe this product will just keep getting better!

Aspetti positivi:

Excellent and keeps getting better

Aspetti negativi:

Learning curve but very well worth any minute spent getting to the advanced level

An essential part of my daily workflow

Commenti: Greatly reduces the burden of EMR and correspondence.

Aspetti positivi:

Fast, seamless background program that speeds my data entry in EMR and correspondence.

Aspetti negativi:

Would like more detailed information about using the advanced feature set so that I can become more proficient at using its deeper features.

THIS IS EXTREMELY USER FRIENDLY SOFTWARE. It has made a great deal of difference in my daily work.

Commenti: EXPLAINED IN DETAIL IN MY REVIEW

Aspetti positivi:

" I am a physician and I like to document my patient's notes while I see them. This software is very intelligently designed with a ton of functionality. I have customized it to my practice needs. It has reduced my documentation time, cut down typing errors and made my notes look very professional.

Aspetti negativi:

It is a hard question. Perhaps more functionality in text formatting and ability to insert tables with formulas or calculators can enhance the features.

Can't practice medicine without it.

Commenti: see review

Aspetti positivi:

I use an AWESOME EHR (Elation Health), but it does not support full visit templates, so PhraseExpander is a lifesaver. It allows me to set up shortcuts that would otherwise force me to type repetitive phrases, paragraphs, procedure notes, advice given, and forms over and over and over... and over again. PhraseExpander saves me 30-120 minutes a day of time, but incalculable frustration. I would call that priceless.

Aspetti negativi:

Maybe the price, but considering how much time it saves, totally worth it. I do wish it handled graphics, but my EHR doesn't support imported graphics, so maybe a moot point.

Most useful tool for ambulatory practice I have ever used

Commenti: This program has changed every aspect of my daily clinical workflow for the better. The customer support is unparalleled and the frequency and value of the updates are the envy of any other program. I cannot recommend this program enough. The depth of options continue to impress me and I continually find new ways to tweak my charting each day.

Aspetti positivi:

ease of use, depth of options and ability to modify templates.

Aspetti negativi:

unable to do algorithmic templates. (ie. if this box in a list is clicked then do this series of functions and text)

I find PhraseExpander to be easy to use and it makes my life so much easier.

Commenti: It saves me so much time and effort in doing my work.

Aspetti positivi:

I like that I can sync PhraseExpander between the computers that I use. If I need to travel, my PhraseExpander is there on my laptop with all my phrases and shortcuts. It is so easy to add new items into PhraseExpander.

Aspetti negativi:

Off hand, I cannot think of anything that I do not like about PhraseExpander. I am just happy with the product.

A major time saver

Commenti: Am very happy with the program and wouldn't be without it now. Great customer service, even during the free trial - all my questions were answered in a timely manner.

Aspetti positivi:

I have been using PhraseExpander for a few months now and don't think I have yet explored all that the program can do, but I use it daily for emails, patient notes, letter/report writing and other tasks and it is a significant time saver.

Aspetti negativi:

It could be a nicer/more user-friendly interface, but was still fairly easy to work out how to use.

This program is a major time saver for my medical practice!

Aspetti positivi:

The program is easy to learn. Once it is set up, you will save tons of time! The new medical license subscription can be shared on the multiple computers with the whole medical team.

Aspetti negativi:

You have to spend some time initially to set up how you like it since it does not have much customized macros and templates for generalized medical providers.

Happy with application

Aspetti positivi:

PE saves time and cuts down on errors...employees love that a they can populate notes via PE. I like that the developers are constantly working on making it better and efficient.

Aspetti negativi:

iOS version would ideal for C level employees so they can take advantage of the software without using a vm

Daily driver for catalogization and emailing

Commenti: I'm using PhraseExpander for many years on a daily basis, thus, it has become an important tool which cannot easily be replaced.

Aspetti positivi:

In contrast to other products, PhraseExpander always works flawless.

Aspetti negativi:

After years of usage, I'm still confused with templates, glossaries and databases.

One of my most used programs

Aspetti positivi:

I use PhraseExpander (PE) every day in most communications that I write. PE saves me a tremendous amount of time and makes my job must faster. My work day would not be the same without PE.

Aspetti negativi:

Sometimes slow to respond to keystroke commands.