MEDITECH Keyboard Shortcuts and Hot Keys Guide

Working in MEDITECH often means moving through patient records, order screens, lookup lists, documentation fields, and save prompts all day long. When you know the right keyboard shortcuts, you can move faster with fewer clicks.

The catch is that MEDITECH does not have one universal shortcut map across every version.

A shortcut that works one way in an older MAGIC-style environment may work differently in Client/Server 5.x, MEDITECH 6, or Expanse. For example, F11 is one of the biggest version-dependent keys. In some older references, F11 is used for Exit. In MEDITECH 5.67 Client/Server references, F11 is often used for EMR. In MEDITECH 6 or Expanse Find Patient workflows, F11 may be used for Search.

That means this guide is best used as a practical reference, not a replacement for your organization’s local MEDITECH training materials. Still, many shortcuts show up consistently enough to be worth learning.

MEDITECH Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

Here are some of the most useful MEDITECH keyboard shortcuts to know.

Shortcut | Common use | Notes
F1 | Help | Opens help or field help, depending on the screen and version.
Shift + F1 | Field-specific help | More common in Client/Server and MEDITECH 6-style workflows.
F3 | Find More | Often used in MEDITECH 6 / Expanse patient search workflows.
F6 | Next section | Moves to the next section or screen component.
Shift + F6 | Previous section | Moves backward through sections.
F7 | Next page or tab | Common in Client/Server and MEDITECH 6 workflows.
Shift + F7 | Previous page or tab | Moves back through pages or tabs.
F8 | Move between screen regions | In newer workflows, F8 often cycles through body, menu, and footer regions.
Shift + F8 | Move to previous screen region | Often used in MEDITECH 6-style workflows.
F9 | Lookup | One of the most dependable MEDITECH shortcuts. Opens lookup lists.
F11 | EMR, Search, or Exit | Highly version-dependent. Always verify your local meaning.
F12 | Save, File, OK, or Submit | One of the most stable MEDITECH shortcuts.
Shift + F12 | Suspend or lock session | Useful when stepping away from a workstation.
Tab | Next field | Moves forward through fields.
Shift + Tab | Previous field | Moves backward through fields.
Enter | Select or accept | Often selects a highlighted item or confirms an entry.
Arrow keys | Move through lists | Useful in lookup lists and patient search results.
Ctrl + Home | Top of list | Documented in some MEDITECH 6 / Expanse workflows.
Ctrl + End | Bottom of list | Documented in some MEDITECH 6 / Expanse workflows.
Spacebar | Toggle option | Can select radio buttons or checkboxes in some screens.
Spacebar + Enter | Recall previous patient | A classic MEDITECH shortcut in many environments.
T | Today’s date | Used in date fields where shorthand is supported.
T+1 / T-1 | Tomorrow / yesterday | Useful for date entry.
N | Now | Often used in time fields.
Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V | Copy / paste | Used in Windows-hosted MEDITECH screens where allowed.

The Most Important MEDITECH Shortcut: F9 Lookup

If you only learn one MEDITECH shortcut, start with F9.

F9 is commonly used to open lookup lists. Depending on the module, that might mean looking up a patient, provider, procedure, appointment type, order, location, response, or other predefined option.

In many workflows, you can also type the first few letters of what you need before pressing F9. That can narrow the lookup list and save time.

For example:

What you want to do | Possible workflow
Look up a provider | Type part of the provider name or mnemonic, then press F9.
Find an orderable item | Type the first few letters, then press F9.
Choose a response from a predefined list | Move to the field, then press F9.
Look up an appointment type | Enter partial text, then press F9.

F9 is not the fastest shortcut because it does something flashy. It is fast because it keeps you from hunting through screens manually.

MEDITECH Function Keys by Version

The most common mistake people make with MEDITECH hot keys is assuming that every version works the same way. It does not.

Here is a simplified version-by-version breakdown.

Legacy MEDITECH / MAGIC-Style Workflows

Older MEDITECH environments are more terminal-like. Function keys may behave differently than they do in newer Client/Server or Expanse workflows.

Common legacy-style shortcuts may include:

Shortcut | Common legacy-style use
F9 | Lookup
F11 | Exit in some older references
F12 | File or save
Shift + F12 | Suspend or “Magic Key” style function
Right Ctrl | Select or check an item
Spacebar + Enter | Recall previous patient

The important point: do not assume newer MEDITECH 6 or Expanse shortcuts apply to older environments.

MEDITECH Client/Server 5.x Shortcuts

Client/Server 5.x documentation tends to show a more consistent shortcut model.

Common Client/Server shortcuts include:

Shortcut | Common use
Esc | Back or exit
F1 | Help
Shift + F1 | Field help in some modules
F2 | External links or reference resources
F6 | Next section
Shift + F6 | Previous section
F7 | Next page or tab
Shift + F7 | Previous page or tab
F8 | Special functions or screen region movement
F9 | Lookup
F11 | EMR in many 5.67 references
F12 | Save or file
Shift + F12 | Suspend
Spacebar + Enter | Previous patient

In this generation, F8 becomes especially useful because it can help you move between different screen regions without reaching for the mouse.

MEDITECH 6 and Expanse Desktop-Style Shortcuts

MEDITECH 6 and Expanse-style workflows add more structured navigation. They also make screen focus more important.

Common shortcuts include:

Shortcut | Common use
F1 | Help
Shift + F1 | Field help
F2 | Handouts or reference links
F3 | Find More
F6 / Shift + F6 | Next or previous section
F7 / Shift + F7 | Next or previous tab
F8 / Shift + F8 | Move between screen regions
Alt + B | Jump to body buttons
Alt + M | Jump to menu buttons
Alt + F | Jump to footer buttons
F9 | Lookup
F11 | Search in some Find Patient workflows
F12 | Save
Spacebar | Toggle selected radio button
Spacebar + Enter | Recall previous patient

In these versions, a shortcut may appear not to work simply because your cursor is in the wrong part of the screen. Try using F8 or the Alt + B / Alt + M / Alt + F shortcuts to move focus to the right screen region.

Why F11 Is Different in MEDITECH

F11 deserves its own warning because it is one of the most version-sensitive MEDITECH hot keys.

Depending on your MEDITECH version and workflow, F11 may mean:

Version or context | Possible F11 meaning
Older legacy references | Exit
Client/Server 5.67 | EMR
ADT / registration matching workflows | Next Search
MEDITECH 6 / Expanse Find Patient | Search

That is a big difference. If you move from one hospital, role, or MEDITECH version to another, do not rely on muscle memory for F11 until you confirm how it behaves locally.

MEDITECH Order Entry Shortcuts

Order Entry is one of the areas where keyboard shortcuts can save a lot of time.

Useful shortcuts include:

Shortcut | Use in Order Entry
F9 | Look up orders, procedures, doctors, or categories.
F12 | Accept, save, or file an order.
F6 / Shift + F6 | Move between screen sections.
F7 / Shift + F7 | Move between tabs or pages.
T / T+1 / T-1 | Enter today, tomorrow, or yesterday in date fields.
N | Enter current time where supported.
Tab / Shift + Tab | Move through required fields.

A typical keyboard-driven order workflow might look like this:

Select the patient.

Move to the order field.

Type the first few letters of the order or procedure.

Press F9 to open the lookup.

Use the arrow keys to select the correct item.

Press Enter to choose it.

Use date and time shorthand where allowed.

Press F12 to save or file.

The exact steps depend on your build, but the overall pattern is common: lookup, select, complete required fields, file.

MEDITECH Patient Search Shortcuts

Patient search is another workflow where version matters.

In some Client/Server workflows, you may enter patient information, use F9 or Enter to search, and use F11 to open the EMR or continue searching. In MEDITECH 6 or Expanse-style Find Patient workflows, F11 may run the search, while F3 may display more matches.

Useful patient search shortcuts include:

Shortcut | Common use
Enter | Run a search or select a highlighted patient.
F9 | Lookup or search support in some workflows.
F11 | EMR, Search, or Next Search depending on version.
F3 | Find More in some MEDITECH 6 workflows.
Arrow keys | Move through patient search results.
Spacebar + Enter | Recall previous patient.

When selecting a patient, speed should not come at the expense of accuracy. Use the keyboard to move faster, but still verify identifiers such as name, date of birth, visit, or medical record number according to your organization’s policy.

MEDITECH Nursing and eMAR Shortcuts

In nursing and medication workflows, shortcuts can help with documentation, but they are only part of the story. Barcode scanning, mobile workflows, recall values, templates, and documentation spreadsheets may matter just as much.

Common nursing and eMAR shortcuts include:

Shortcut | Common use
F12 | File, save, or submit documentation.
F9 | Lookup predefined responses or values.
Spacebar + Enter | Recall previous patient.
Tab / Shift + Tab | Move through documentation fields.
Arrow keys | Move through lists or response options.
T / T+/- / N | Date and time shorthand where supported.

One caution: recall and copy-forward tools can save time, but they also increase risk if users do not review the carried-forward information. Any recalled value should be checked before saving because it can become part of the clinical record.

MEDITECH ADT and Registration Shortcuts

ADT and registration workflows often involve repeated data entry. That makes shortcuts especially helpful.

Useful ADT and registration shortcuts include:

Shortcut | Common use
F9 | Lookup lists for fields and registration values.
F11 | Next Search in some patient matching workflows.
F12 | File or save registration information.
Tab / Shift + Tab | Move between fields.
Arrow keys | Move through patient match results.
T / T+/- / N | Date and time shorthand.
Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V | Copy and paste in Windows-hosted screens where allowed.

Registration work is also where local shorthand can become especially valuable. Some training materials document site-specific abbreviations for carrying forward or repeating patient information. Those are useful, but they are not universal. Always use the shorthand taught by your organization.

MEDITECH Radiology and ITS-DI Shortcuts

Radiology and diagnostic imaging workflows have some of the more specific public shortcut examples.

Useful shortcuts may include:

Shortcut | Common use
F11 | Launch EMR in some Client/Server DI workflows.
F12 | Save or file.
F9 | Lookup providers or recipients.
N | Enter current arrival time where supported.
d + mnemonic + F9 | Provider lookup shorthand in some DI workflows.
r + mnemonic + F9 | Recipient lookup shorthand in some DI workflows.

These shorthand patterns are highly workflow-specific. They can be very fast when your local build supports them, but they should not be treated as universal MEDITECH shortcuts.

MEDITECH Scheduling Shortcuts

Scheduling workflows tend to be more button-driven, but keyboard shortcuts can still help.

Useful scheduling shortcuts include:

Shortcut | Common use
F9 | Look up appointment types or scheduling values.
Tab / Shift + Tab | Move between fields.
Enter | Select highlighted options.
F12 | Save or file where supported.

In many scheduling screens, the best productivity gains come from a mix of keyboard lookup, field navigation, and templates rather than a large list of dedicated hot keys.

MEDITECH Pharmacy, Lab, and Billing Shortcuts

Publicly available shortcut documentation is thinner for dedicated Pharmacy, Laboratory/LIS, and Revenue Cycle/Billing workflows.

That does not mean shortcuts do not exist. It means that many details are likely documented in customer-only MEDITECH materials or local training guides.

For these areas, the safest guidance is to start with the general MEDITECH shortcuts:

Shortcut | Likely value
F9 | Lookup values.
F12 | Save, file, or submit.
Tab / Shift + Tab | Move between fields.
Enter | Select highlighted items.
Arrow keys | Navigate lists.
T / T+/- / N | Date and time shorthand where supported.

Then layer in your organization’s local shortcuts, templates, and workflow-specific training.

MEDITECH Date and Time Shortcuts

Date and time entry is one of the easiest places to save keystrokes.

Common shorthand includes:

Shortcut | Meaning
T | Today
T+1 | Tomorrow
T-1 | Yesterday
T+7 | Seven days from today
T-7 | Seven days ago
N | Now

These shortcuts depend on the field and version. If a field does not accept shorthand, use the required format for your system.

MEDITECH Shortcuts That Are Usually Worth Memorizing First

If you are new to MEDITECH, do not try to memorize every key at once. Start with the shortcuts that are most likely to help across many screens.

Start with these five:

Shortcut | Why it matters
F9 | Opens lookup lists.
F12 | Saves or files work.
Tab / Shift + Tab | Moves through fields.
Arrow keys | Moves through lists.
Spacebar + Enter | Recalls the previous patient in many environments.

Then add these:

Shortcut | Why it matters
F6 / Shift + F6 | Moves between sections.
F7 / Shift + F7 | Moves between pages or tabs.
F8 / Shift + F8 | Moves between screen regions.
Shift + F12 | Suspends or locks the session.
T / T+/- / N | Speeds up date and time entry.

Be careful with this one:

Shortcut | Why to verify it
F11 | Its meaning changes across MEDITECH versions and workflows.

How TextExpander Can Help MEDITECH Users Work Faster

Keyboard shortcuts help you move around MEDITECH faster. TextExpander helps with a different part of the job: the repetitive typing that happens inside and around MEDITECH workflows.

Many healthcare teams repeatedly type the same kinds of notes, instructions, patient communication, internal messages, handoff language, and documentation-adjacent text. Even when some of that text lives inside MEDITECH templates, staff often still need reusable wording outside the EHR or in fields where approved text expansion is allowed.

With TextExpander, teams can create short abbreviations that expand into longer, standardized text snippets. That can help reduce repetitive typing, improve consistency, and make common phrasing easier to reuse.

For example, a user could type a short abbreviation such as:

/fuappt

And expand it into:

“Please schedule a follow-up appointment as directed. Contact the office if symptoms worsen or if you have questions before your next visit.”

Or a team could create snippets for:

Use case | Example snippet type
Patient instructions | Common follow-up language
Internal notes | Standard status updates
Scheduling communication | Appointment reminders
Referral workflows | Reusable referral instructions
Support desk responses | Common troubleshooting replies
Training documentation | Standard process explanations

TextExpander should be used according to your organization’s policies, especially in clinical environments. It is not a substitute for clinical judgment, required documentation, or approved EHR templates. But when used appropriately, it can reduce the amount of repetitive typing that happens around daily healthcare work.

Tips for Using MEDITECH Shortcuts Safely

Speed matters, but accuracy matters more. This is especially true in patient search, medication administration, order entry, and documentation workflows.

Use these shortcuts with a few best practices in mind:

Confirm your MEDITECH version. A shortcut may behave differently in MAGIC, Client/Server, MEDITECH 6, and Expanse.

Verify local training. Hospitals and health systems may customize workflows, buttons, screen regions, and access.

Be careful with F11. It can mean Exit, EMR, Search, or Next Search depending on the environment.

Review recalled values. Copy-forward and recall tools can introduce errors if old information is saved without review.

Check patient identifiers. Keyboard speed should never replace patient verification.

Use shortcuts where they reduce friction. Do not force keyboard workflows where a click, scan, or mobile action is safer or more reliable.

Final Thoughts

MEDITECH keyboard shortcuts can make everyday work faster, especially when you rely on high-value keys like F9, F12, Tab, Shift + Tab, the arrow keys, and date/time shorthand.

But the most important lesson is that MEDITECH shortcuts are version-specific. F11 is the clearest example. It can have very different meanings depending on the environment.

The best approach is to learn the dependable shortcuts first, verify any version-sensitive keys, and combine MEDITECH hot keys with approved templates, snippets, and local workflow tools. That gives you the best balance of speed, consistency, and safety.