Text Snippets & Macros for EHR Scribe let you create reusable phrases (dot phrases) that shape how AI Scribe writes your Chart Notes. Instead of editing the same wording after every visit, you define a snippet once and Scribe applies it automatically while generating the note.Why enable Text Snippets for Scribe When a snippet is enabled for Scribe, the AI uses it as it turns your transcription into a finished note. This helps you:
Standardize documentation so common phrases and clinical patterns read the same way every time.Improve consistency across providers and appointment types.Save time by removing repetitive edits and re-typing.
You control how each snippet behaves through its macro type :
Macro type What it does Affects transcription? Replacement Replaces a trigger phrase with exact expanded text in the transcription. Yes — before note generation. Context Gives the AI extra clinical context to guide how the note is written. No — guidance only. Format Controls output structure and conciseness (e.g., bullets, brief vs. detailed). No — formatting only.
If you don’t enable a snippet for Scribe, it will not affect AI note generation — even if it exists in your Text Snippets list.
Accessing the feature Text Snippets live in your EHR Preferences .
Open Preferences within the EHR.
Click the Text Snippets section. The Text Snippets Settings page lists all existing snippets.
Click Add Text Snippet to create a new one.
Understanding macro types Choose a macro type based on what you want the snippet to do. You set this in the Macro Type for Scribe field when creating or editing a snippet.
Use when you want to replace a trigger phrase with exact expanded text and standardize common phrasing.
The AI finds matching phrases in the transcription (exact or semantic matches).
The trigger phrase is replaced with the exact snippet value, before note generation.
Example
Trigger: “no chest pain”Value: “Patient denies chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations”Result: Whenever “no chest pain” appears in the transcription, it’s replaced with the full expanded phrase.
Use when you want to give the AI additional clinical context or guide its reasoning without directly changing the transcription.
Context snippets are passed to the AI during note generation.
They influence how the AI paraphrases and structures the note.
They do not replace text in the transcription.
Example
Trigger: “diabetes protocol”Value: “Follow standard diabetes management protocol: check A1C every 3 months, monitor for complications, emphasize diet and exercise”Result: The AI uses this context when generating notes for diabetic patients, ensuring more comprehensive documentation.
Use when you want to control formatting or conciseness in the final note.
Format snippets guide the AI’s output structure.
They influence how information is presented.
They do not modify the transcription content.
Example
Trigger: “brief format”Value: “Use concise bullet points. Limit each section to 2-3 key points. Avoid lengthy descriptions.”Result: The AI generates more concise, bulleted documentation when this format is applied.
Creating a macro for Scribe To create a snippet:
Click Add Text Snippet in the Text Snippets Settings page.
Fill in the required fields: Title (trigger phrase) and Text Snippet (expanded phrase).
Set the optional fields as needed (see the table below), including Macro Type for Scribe and the Use for EHR Scribe toggle.
Click Save .
Field Required? Description Title (Trigger Phrase) Required The phrase matched in the transcription (exact or semantic). No consecutive spaces or colons (:); at least 1 character. Text Snippet (Expanded Phrase) Required The text that’s used — replaces the trigger (Replacement), provides context (Context), or specifies formatting (Format). Group Name Optional Organizes snippets into groups (e.g., Objective, Subjective). Type a new name to create a group. No consecutive spaces or colons. Appointment Types for Scribe Optional Restricts the snippet to specific appointment types. If none are selected, it applies to all appointment types. Macro Type for Scribe Optional Choose Replacement , Context , or Format . Use for EHR Scribe Optional Toggle that makes the snippet available during Scribe processing.
If no macro type is selected, the snippet defaults to Replacement during processing.
Use for EHR Scribe must be enabled for a snippet to be used by Scribe. If it’s off, the snippet won’t affect AI note generation.
Managing snippets To edit a snippet:
Go to Text Snippets Settings .
Find the snippet in the table and click the Edit icon (pencil) in the Actions column.
Modify any fields in the drawer and click Save .
Quick edits can be made directly in the table — these save automatically:
Macro Type — use the dropdown in the Macro Type (Scribe) column.Use for EHR Scribe — toggle the switch in the Enabled for Scribe column.
To delete a snippet, click the Delete icon (trash) in the Actions column and confirm. Deletion is permanent.✨Smart Tip: If you only want to stop using a snippet in Scribe temporarily, turn off the Use for EHR Scribe toggle instead of deleting it.
How Scribe selects snippets: when a Scribe note is processed, snippets are automatically applied based on:
Enabled for Scribe — only snippets with Use for EHR Scribe turned on.Appointment type matching — snippets tied to the appointment type, plus global snippets (no appointment types selected).
Best practices ✨Smart Tip: Be specific with trigger phrases — ideally include a punctuation cue like /, ., or - — and avoid generic triggers that might match unintended text.
Replacement: use exact clinical terminology and test semantic matching to confirm correct replacements.Context: provide clear, actionable guidance and update it as protocols change.Format: be explicit about structure and conciseness; consider creating multiple options (brief, detailed).Organize with groups and use appointment types to keep snippets relevant.Start small, then expand as you confirm snippets behave as expected.
Troubleshooting Symptom Likely cause Fix Snippet not used during Scribe Use for EHR Scribe is off, or appointment type doesn’t matchEnable the toggle; confirm the appointment type (or leave it global). Snippet not used during Scribe No macro type set, or wrong site Set a macro type; confirm you’re on the correct site (snippets are site-specific). Replacement not replacing the phrase Trigger doesn’t match the transcription closely enough Adjust the trigger to match what’s said; review the transcription and semantic match. Context / Format has no effect Macro type is set to Replacement, or guidance is vague Set the type to Context or Format ; make the value clear and actionable.
