Partial Dictation is an approach that allows a physician to use EHR templates to document certain sections of the encounter, while allowing other sections to be dictated. These note fragments, or partial dictations, are then sent for transcription, and upon completion, interfaced right back into the patient's electronic chart.

For example, with the patient's chart open, physicians are presented with text boxes in their EHRs in which to type in details of an encounter. In Epic, the text box has a microphone icon on top of it. Physicians can choose to either type in the information themselves, or press the microphone icon to dictate it. Once dictated, the voice file along with all the associated meta data is sent to WebChartMD. From there, it is sent for transcription. Once that's done, WebChartMD automatically sends the multiple note snippets back to the patient record to assemble the full encounter.

With most of the note entered via EHR templates, the amount of audio that goes to transcription is greatly reduced. This in turn reduces transcription costs. At the same time, physicians are given the option to dictate critical aspects of the encounter, which allows them to do it quickly and with greater detail. The end result is that costs are greatly lowered, the encounter is documented with great detail, and the amount of time and effort required by the physician is greatly reduced. Partial Dictation is one of those rare things in life that creates a great win-win situation for everyone.

This information is from: http://www.webchartmd.com/partial-dictation.asp