Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “write SOAP notes and medical records, often after closing”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

90 min
typically, every day
55%
of the time can be automated
Some setup
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Use a veterinary AI scribe to draft the SOAP note

Vet AI scribes listen to the exam (or your recap) and draft the SOAP note, discharge instructions, client email and referral letter in your format. Many vets finish records before going home for the first time in years.

Typically saves about 45% of the time45 min to set up
  1. 1Check whether your PIMS includes a scribe (for example the AI scribe in Covetrus Pulse, Digitail, or ScribbleVet with Instinct), or trial a stand-alone one such as ScribbleVet, Scribenote, VetRec or Talkatoo.
  2. 2Set up your SOAP template, abbreviations and the way you like plans written.
  3. 3Record the exam or speak a 60-second recap straight after.
  4. 4Review and correct the note before saving; it is your medical record.
  5. 5Use the same recording to generate the discharge sheet and client email. Use the tools your clinic has approved; keep client contact and payment details out of general AI tools.

Tools: ScribbleVet · Scribenote · VetRec · Talkatoo · Covetrus Pulse AI scribe · Digitail

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Use templates and quick-text for your common visit types

Templates for wellness exams, vaccines, dentals and common problems fill in the normal findings, so you only type what is different.

Typically saves about 30% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1List your ten most common visit types.
  2. 2Build a SOAP template for each in your PIMS with normal exam findings pre-filled.
  3. 3Add quick-text shortcuts for phrases you type every day.
  4. 4Share them across the team so records are consistent.

Tools: Your practice management system (ezyVet, Cornerstone, AVImark, Covetrus Pulse, Shepherd, Digitail, Vetspire, Instinct or similar)

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Have you tried a veterinary AI scribe that drafts your SOAP notes?
Tools like ScribbleVet, Scribenote, VetRec or the scribe built into your PIMS listen to the exam or your recap and write the SOAP note, discharge sheet and client email for you to check.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

VeterinarianVet tech / veterinary nurse

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Take the free check Scan my team, $49

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Veterinarian teams