eClinicalWorks Shortcuts: Macros, Dot Phrases, and Workflow Tips (2026 Guide)

For many healthcare professionals, documentation takes up a significant portion of the day. Re-typing common phrases, documenting routine findings, and navigating repetitive workflows can quickly add up.

Fortunately, tools like eClinicalWorks shortcuts, macros, and dot phrases can dramatically reduce this burden. When used effectively, they allow clinicians and staff to automate common documentation tasks and streamline workflows across the EHR.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical examples of:

• eClinicalWorks shortcuts
• eClinicalWorks macros
• eClinicalWorks dot phrases
• eClinicalWorks tips and tricks

We’ll also look at how tools like TextExpander can extend these capabilities even further.

Why Many Healthcare Teams Use TextExpander with eClinicalWorks

While eClinicalWorks offers built-in tools for automation, many organizations also use TextExpander as an additional productivity layer.

TextExpander allows users to create short abbreviations that expand into longer phrases, templates, or messages. One major advantage is that these shortcuts work across virtually any application, not just inside the EHR.

This means the same shortcut can work in:

• eClinicalWorks chart notes
• Patient portal messages
• Email communication
• Referral documentation
• Internal staff communication tools

Healthcare organizations also value TextExpander for its ability to securely share standardized snippets across teams, helping maintain consistency in documentation while improving efficiency.

Example TextExpander snippets for clinical workflows

Shortcut	Expands to
;medreview	Medication list reviewed and reconciled with patient.
;ptedu	Patient education provided regarding diagnosis and treatment plan.
;labpending	Laboratory studies ordered today. Results will be reviewed once available.
;followup	Follow-up visit recommended in 4 weeks unless symptoms worsen sooner.
;teleconsent	Patient consented to telehealth visit and understands limitations of virtual evaluation.

By using tools like TextExpander alongside eClinicalWorks, clinicians can automate documentation both inside and outside the EHR.

What Are eClinicalWorks Shortcuts?

eClinicalWorks shortcuts are commands that allow clinicians and staff to quickly insert text, navigate fields, or trigger automated documentation within the EHR.

Instead of typing the same phrases repeatedly, users can enter a short keyword that expands into a longer sentence or template.

Shortcuts are commonly used for:

• Physical exam findings
• Patient counseling language
• Follow-up instructions
• Medication documentation
• Standard charting sections

For example, a shortcut such as examnorm might automatically insert a sentence describing a normal physical exam. A template command such as .hpi could insert a structured History of Present Illness section.

These shortcuts help reduce repetitive typing and allow clinicians to focus more on patient care rather than documentation.

eClinicalWorks Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can make navigation within eClinicalWorks faster and reduce the need to switch between keyboard and mouse.

Common navigation shortcuts

Shortcut	Function
Ctrl + Space	Expand a configured macro
Alt	Display keyboard navigation options
Tab	Move to the next field
Shift + Tab	Move to the previous field
Ctrl + F	Search within notes or documents
Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V	Copy and paste text

Even mastering a few of these shortcuts can noticeably improve charting speed during busy clinic sessions.

eClinicalWorks Macros

Macros allow clinicians to insert commonly used documentation by typing a short command.

Macros are often used to automate routine statements that appear frequently in patient encounters.

Visit documentation macros

Macro	Expands to
fuvisit	Follow-up visit recommended in 4 weeks.
stablecond	Condition stable at this time. Continue current treatment plan.
symimprove	Patient reports symptoms have improved since last visit.
sympersist	Patient reports symptoms persist without significant improvement.
newconcern	Patient presents today with new concern as described in HPI.

Physical exam macros

Macro	Expands to
examnorm	Physical exam performed. Findings within normal limits unless otherwise noted.
cvnorm	Cardiovascular exam normal. Regular rate and rhythm.
lungsclr	Lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally.
abdsoft	Abdomen soft, non-tender, non-distended.
neurointact	Neurological exam grossly intact with no focal deficits.

Patient counseling macros

Macro	Expands to
dietedu	Diet and lifestyle modifications discussed with patient.
exercise	Exercise recommendations reviewed and encouraged.
medadher	Medication adherence discussed with patient.
riskbenefit	Risks, benefits, and alternatives reviewed with patient.
questions	Patient questions answered and patient verbalized understanding.

Follow-up and care plan macros

Macro	Expands to
labsord	Laboratory tests ordered today.
imagingord	Diagnostic imaging ordered for further evaluation.
refer	Referral placed for specialist evaluation.
rtc	Patient instructed to return to clinic as scheduled.
precautions	Patient advised regarding warning signs and when to seek urgent care.

How to Create Macros in eClinicalWorks

Macros can be created within eClinicalWorks settings to automate repetitive documentation tasks.

Step 1: Open user preferences

Navigate to the settings or preferences section where text shortcuts or templates can be configured.

Step 2: Create a shortcut

Define a shortcut keyword and the expanded text.

Example:

Shortcut: asthmaedu

Expands to:

Patient educated on asthma management, including inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and monitoring symptoms.

Step 3: Save and test the macro

Open a clinical note and type the shortcut. In many workflows, pressing Ctrl + Space will expand the macro automatically.

Testing ensures the macro inserts properly formatted text.

Step 4: Expand your macro library

Over time, clinicians often build a library of shortcuts for common workflows, including:

• Review of systems documentation
• Physical exam templates
• Chronic disease follow-ups
• Patient education statements
• Procedure notes

A well-maintained macro library can significantly reduce documentation time.

eClinicalWorks Dot Phrases

Dot phrases are another method for quickly inserting structured documentation. They are triggered by typing a period followed by a keyword.

These are commonly used for inserting entire documentation sections.

History and intake dot phrases

Dot Phrase	Inserts
.hpi	History of Present Illness template
.pmh	Past medical history template
.psh	Past surgical history template
.soc	Social history template
.familyhx	Family medical history template

Physical exam dot phrases

Dot Phrase	Inserts
.normalexam	Normal physical exam documentation
.vitalsreview	Vitals reviewed and documented
.cardioexam	Cardiovascular exam template
.respiratoryexam	Respiratory exam template
.neuroexam	Neurological exam template

Condition-specific dot phrases

Dot Phrase	Inserts
.htnfu	Hypertension follow-up visit template
.diabetesfu	Diabetes follow-up documentation
.uri	Upper respiratory infection evaluation
.backpain	Low back pain evaluation template
.anxietyfu	Anxiety follow-up visit documentation

These shortcuts allow providers to insert detailed templates instantly instead of typing them repeatedly.

eClinicalWorks Tips and Tricks

Experienced eClinicalWorks users often rely on small workflow improvements that can significantly increase efficiency.

Build note templates for common visits

Reusable templates can help ensure documentation is consistent and complete for visits such as:

• Annual physical exams
• Chronic disease follow-ups
• Medication management visits
• Telehealth consultations

Templates reduce charting time and help maintain documentation quality.

Create standardized shortcut libraries

Many practices maintain shared libraries of macros and shortcuts that include:

• Patient education phrases
• Exam findings
• Referral language
• Procedure documentation

Standardization helps reduce variation in documentation and ensures important information is consistently recorded.

Combine eClinicalWorks shortcuts with TextExpander

Many clinicians combine multiple automation tools:

• eClinicalWorks macros for chart notes
• Dot phrases for structured templates
• TextExpander snippets for cross-app communication

This layered approach allows automation to extend beyond the EHR into email, patient messaging, and administrative workflows.

Final Thoughts

eClinicalWorks shortcuts, macros, and dot phrases can dramatically improve documentation efficiency for clinicians and healthcare staff.

Even small automation improvements—such as expanding common phrases or inserting note templates—can save significant time during busy clinic days.

When combined with tools like TextExpander, healthcare teams can extend these efficiencies across their entire workflow, from charting and patient communication to referral documentation and internal messaging.

Over time, building a well-organized library of shortcuts and templates can transform repetitive typing into just a few keystrokes—helping clinicians spend less time documenting and more time focused on patient care.