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

Custom Macros

Create your own macros with custom text and voice triggers. Custom macros are available on the Professional plan.

Creating a Custom Macro

  1. Open the ParrotPadMD Scratchpad (PWA) or extension popup
  2. Go to the Macros tab
  3. Tap New Macro
  4. Enter a name (e.g., "Cardio Exam")
  5. Enter a voice trigger phrase (e.g., "cardio exam")
  6. Enter the macro text that will be inserted
  7. Tap Save

Tip: Keep voice triggers short and distinctive. Two or three words work best. Avoid triggers that sound like common medical terms you might dictate normally.

Editing a Macro

  1. Go to the Macros tab
  2. Find the macro you want to edit
  3. Tap the edit icon
  4. Update the name, trigger, or text
  5. Tap Save

Deleting a Macro

  1. Go to the Macros tab
  2. Find the macro you want to remove
  3. Tap the delete icon
  4. Confirm deletion

Tips for Custom Macros

  • Specialty templates — Create macros for your specialty's common findings (e.g., normal cardiac exam, psychiatric MSE)
  • Documentation snippets — Save frequently used phrases like discharge instructions or consent language
  • Voice trigger matching — Triggers use fuzzy matching, so slight variations in pronunciation still work
  • Custom macros sync across your devices via your account