Configure Required Fields for Clinical Notes
Overview
ICANotes+ allows you to configure required fields for clinical notes. When a field is set as required, users must complete it before they can compile the note.
For example, if you mark Diagnosis Code as required, clinicians must document a diagnosis before compiling a Progress Note. The system prevents the note from being compiled until the required information is entered.
You can also configure exceptions. For example, you might allow a specific supervisor to compile certain note types without completing a required field, while all other users must still complete it.
Demo: Missing Required Fields
Want to see this behavior in action? Take the following demo tour to see how ICANotes+ prevents note compilation when required fields are missing:
To configure required fields,
- From the left sidebar, select Settings.
- At the top, select the Data Requirements tab.
- In the left pane, select Clinical Notes.
The Clinical Notes section displays the following fields that you can configure as required.
- Diagnosis Code
- Service Code
- Time Spent
- Linked Appointment

To make a field required, turn the toggle On.
- When enabled, the field becomes mandatory for all users and all note types unless you configure an exception.
What Users See When A Required Field Is Missing
If a required field is not completed, the system prevents the note from being compiled.
A validation message appears indicating the missing field. Users must complete the required field before compiling the note.

Exceptions let specific users compile certain note types without completing a required field.
For example, if Diagnosis Code is required for all notes, you can create an exception that allows one provider to compile a Progress Note without entering a Diagnosis Code.
To add an exception,
- In the Clinical Notes section, turn on the required field.
- Under the required field, select Add Exceptions.
In the User list, select who should be exempt from the field.
- Select an individual user when only one person should be exempt.
- Select All Users when every practice user should be exempt.
- In the Note Types list, select one or more note types that can be compiled without the required field.
- Select Save Exception.
To add exceptions for additional users, click Add Exception and repeat the steps above.
Example: Exempt an Individual User
If you select a specific provider in the User field and select Progress Note in the Note Types field, that provider can compile a Progress Note without entering a Diagnosis Code.
All other users must complete the Diagnosis Code before they can compile the note.
Example: Exempt All Users
If you select All Users in the User field and select Progress Note in the Note Types field, every user in the practice can compile a Progress Note without completing the required field. The field remains required for all other note types, such as Quick Note or Case Management.
FAQs
You can find the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our Knowledge Base page.
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Proprietary Notice Information: This article is provided for informational purposes only, and the information herein is subject to change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this article is accurate, ICANotes cannot and does not accept any type of liability for errors in, or omissions arising from the use of this information.
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