Using Macros

Macros let you insert commonly used text blocks with a single keyboard shortcut or voice command. Perfect for standard exam findings, review of systems templates, and frequently used phrases.

Built-In Macros

ParrotPadMD comes with 5 pre-configured macros designed for common documentation needs:

Macro 1: Normal Exam

Shortcut: Option/Alt+1
Voice Trigger: "normal exam"

Physical examination reveals a well-appearing patient in no acute distress. HEENT: Normocephalic, atraumatic. Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light. Extraocular movements intact. Oropharynx clear. Neck supple without lymphadenopathy. Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm, no murmurs, rubs, or gallops. Lungs: Clear to auscultation bilaterally. Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, non-distended, with normal bowel sounds. Extremities: No clubbing, cyanosis, or edema.

Macro 2: ROS Negative

Shortcut: Option/Alt+2
Voice Trigger: "review of systems negative"

Review of systems is negative except as noted in the history of present illness. Patient denies fever, chills, weight loss, fatigue, headache, vision changes, hearing changes, nasal congestion, sore throat, chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dysuria, joint pain, muscle weakness, rash, or neurological symptoms.

Macro 3: Vital Signs Normal

Shortcut: Option/Alt+3
Voice Trigger: "vital signs normal"

Vital signs are within normal limits. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation are all stable.

Macro 4: Assessment Plan

Voice Trigger: "assessment and plan"
(No default keyboard shortcut)

Assessment:
1. [Primary diagnosis]
2. [Secondary diagnosis]

Plan:
1. [Treatment plan]
2. [Medications]
3. [Follow-up instructions]
4. Patient counseled on warning signs and when to return.

Macro 5: Follow Up

Voice Trigger: "follow up instructions"
(No default keyboard shortcut)

Follow up in [X] weeks. Return sooner if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop. Patient verbalized understanding of instructions and had opportunity to ask questions.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The fastest way to insert macros:

  1. Click in the text field where you want the macro
  2. Press the keyboard shortcut:
    • Option/Alt+1 — Normal Exam
    • Option/Alt+2 — ROS Negative
    • Option/Alt+3 — Vital Signs Normal

The macro text is inserted instantly at your cursor position.

Using Voice Triggers

Insert macros by voice while dictating:

  1. Start recording (Alt/Opt+A)
  2. Say the trigger phrase naturally within your dictation
  3. The trigger phrase is replaced with the full macro text

Example:

"The patient presents with sore throat period normal exam Assessment colon viral pharyngitis period"

Result:

The patient presents with sore throat. Physical examination reveals a well-appearing patient in no acute distress... [full normal exam text] Assessment: viral pharyngitis.

Voice Trigger Tips

  • Triggers use fuzzy matching — slight variations still work
  • Say triggers clearly but naturally
  • The trigger phrase is completely replaced by the macro text
  • You'll see a notification when a macro is triggered

Combining with Dictation

Macros integrate seamlessly with regular dictation:

Workflow Example:

  1. Press Alt/Opt+A to start recording
  2. Dictate: "Chief complaint colon cough times three days period"
  3. Say: "normal exam" — macro expands
  4. Continue: "Assessment colon upper respiratory infection period"
  5. Press Option/Alt+1 for vital signs (or continue dictating)
  6. Press Alt/Opt+A to stop

Tips for Using Macros

  1. Learn the shortcuts — Option/Alt+1, Option/Alt+2, Option/Alt+3 are faster than voice
  2. Use voice triggers mid-dictation — saves stopping and starting
  3. Edit after insertion — macros with [brackets] need your input
  4. Macros work without recording — shortcuts work anytime on any text field
  5. Combine multiple macros — Option/Alt+1 then Option/Alt+2 in sequence

Coming Soon

Future updates will include:

  • Custom macro creation
  • More keyboard shortcuts (Option/Alt+4 through Option/Alt+9)
  • Macro editor for personalized templates
  • Specialty-specific macro packs