What are Dot Phrases?
Dot phrases are text shortcuts that expand into full clinical documentation templates inside your EMR. They are the single biggest time-saver for physician charting.
How dot phrases work
Instead of typing the same HPI, review of systems, or physical exam findings from scratch for every patient, you create a template once. Then you type a short code — like .chestpain — and the full template appears in your note.
Most EMRs have a built-in version of this (Epic calls them SmartPhrases, Cerner uses auto-text), but they are locked to that system. If you switch hospitals or EMRs, your phrases stay behind.
Why physicians use dot phrases
Save hours per week
Physicians who use dot phrases report saving 30–60 minutes per shift on documentation alone.
Reduce errors
Pre-built templates ensure you capture all required elements — no more missed review of systems or incomplete plans.
Consistent notes
Every note follows the same structure, making chart review easier for colleagues, consultants, and billers.
How MyDotPhrases is different
- Portable across EMRs — your phrases live in MyDotPhrases, not locked inside Epic or Cerner. Copy to any system.
- Smart variables — placeholders like [PATIENT_NAME] and [CHIEF_COMPLAINT] that you fill in once and auto-populate throughout the note.
- Encounter templates — chain multiple phrases (HPI + ROS + PE + A&P) into a single flow for a complete note.
- Team sharing — share your best phrases with your practice group. New residents and attendings get up to speed instantly.
- 150+ starter templates — sign up and get pre-built templates for 22 medical specialties from day one.
Frequently asked questions
- What are dot phrases?
- Dot phrases (also called smart phrases or auto-text) are text shortcuts used in electronic medical records. You type a short code like .hpi or .chestpain and it expands into a full documentation template, saving significant charting time.
- Which EMRs support dot phrases?
- Most major EMRs support some form of text expansion: Epic uses SmartPhrases, Cerner uses auto-text, and MEDITECH has shortcuts. MyDotPhrases works alongside any EMR — you build your phrases here and copy them with one click.
- Are dot phrases the same as smart phrases?
- Yes. ‘Smart phrases’ is the term Epic uses, while ‘dot phrases’ is the more generic term. Other EMRs use terms like auto-text, quick text, or macros. They all do the same thing: expand a short code into a longer text block.
- How do dot phrases save time?
- Physicians spend an average of 2 hours on documentation for every 1 hour of patient care. Dot phrases pre-fill repetitive sections — HPIs, review of systems, exam findings, assessment and plan — letting you focus on what changed rather than re-typing boilerplate.
- Can I use my dot phrases across different EMRs?
- Built-in EMR smart phrases are locked to that specific system. MyDotPhrases makes your templates portable — access them from any browser, copy to any EMR, and take them with you if you change jobs or systems.
- What are smart variables in dot phrases?
- Smart variables are placeholders like [PATIENT_NAME] or [CHIEF_COMPLAINT] inside a template. When you use the phrase, you fill in the variable once and it populates everywhere in the note. MyDotPhrases supports variables with default values.
- How do I create a dot phrase?
- In MyDotPhrases, click ‘New Phrase’, give it a shortcut (like .chestpain), a title, and write your template content. Add [VARIABLES] for fields that change per patient. Then use Cmd+K to search and copy it whenever you need it.
- Are dot phrases HIPAA compliant?
- Dot phrase templates themselves do not contain protected health information (PHI) — they are generic text templates. The patient-specific data is only filled in when you use the phrase in your EMR. MyDotPhrases never stores patient data.
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