Overview
Recording your first session with PatientNotes is simple. This guide walks you through the entire process—from starting a new session to exporting your completed note. Most users complete their first session in under 5 minutes.
Before You Start
Starting a New Session
From your dashboard, click the "New Session" button in the left sidebar. This opens a fresh session where you can record your patient encounter.
Session Options
Before recording, you can optionally:
- Add patient details: Enter a patient name or identifier for easy reference later
- Select a template: Pre-select the note format you want (SOAP, H&P, Progress Note, etc.)
- Choose language: Select the language for transcription and note generation
Recording Your Visit
When you're ready to begin, click the "Start transcribing" button in the header. PatientNotes will begin listening and transcribing in real-time.
During the Recording
While recording:
- Speak naturally: No need to speak directly at the microphone or use special phrasing
- Include the patient: PatientNotes captures both your voice and the patient's responses
- Take your time: There's no time limit on recordings
- Use the pause button: If you need to step away or handle an interruption, you can pause and resume
What Gets Captured
Viewing the Transcript
As you record, you'll see the transcript appear in real-time on the "Transcript" tab. PatientNotes automatically identifies different speakers and labels them accordingly.
Speaker Identification
PatientNotes uses AI to distinguish between you (the clinician) and the patient. You'll see labels like "Clinician" and "Patient" next to each section of the transcript.
Generating Your Note
Once you've finished recording, click "Stop" to end the session. Then switch to the "Notes" tab to generate your clinical documentation.
Selecting a Template
Choose from our library of templates based on your documentation needs:
SOAP Note
Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan format
H&P
History and Physical examination
Progress Note
Follow-up visit documentation
Specialty Templates
Psychiatry, Cardiology, Pediatrics, etc.
Reviewing Your Note
After generation (usually 10-30 seconds), your complete clinical note appears. Review the content to ensure accuracy and make any necessary edits.
Making Edits
Click anywhere in the note to edit. You can:
- Add missing information
- Correct any inaccuracies
- Expand or simplify sections
- Adjust formatting
AI Assistance
Exporting Your Note
When you're satisfied with the note, you have several options to get it into your EHR or records system:
Copy to Clipboard
One-click copy to paste into your EHR
Download PDF
Save as a formatted PDF document
Print directly from your browser
Tips for Best Results
Use a Good Microphone
External USB microphones or headsets provide better audio quality than built-in laptop mics.
Minimize Background Noise
A quiet room helps PatientNotes accurately capture and transcribe the conversation.
Speak Clearly
Normal conversational speech is fine—just avoid mumbling or speaking too quickly.
Always Review
AI-generated notes are a starting point. Always review and verify the content before finalizing.
Next Steps
Congratulations on completing your first session! Now explore more features to optimize your workflow.