We read Dr. Melvin J. Knight's article “Make Medical Notes Better and Faster With Macros” [September 2005] with interest. We would like to propose an alternative software called Allchars. It offers the ability to create macros among other functionalities. A few advantages of Allchars: It's freeware, it's easy to customize, and it can be used with any Windows-based software. It allows macros to be activated not just with single key combinations but with multiple keys – even whole words – and it doesn't interfere with other programs' utilities because it does not use combinations of keys. Allchars is available at http://allchars.zwolnet.com/.

Dr. Knight's article on macros was very interesting. Another way to do the same thing is by using the AutoCorrect feature in Microsoft Word. You can find it if you choose Tools and then AutoCorrect. It converts abbreviated words, like “amox,” directly into a sentence or formatted paragraph, such as “amoxicillin 250 mg/5 cc 1 tsp tid for 10 days.” You can also export these AutoCorrect entries to other computers.

The advantage of using AutoCorrect is that you will not be limited by available key combinations.