MedLook Weekly Tip For 04/10/2006

The US Zip code database has roughly 50,000 entries!  At one point last summer we considered pre-loading the MedLook database with all of these entries.  Fortunately, we did enough testing to realize this would be a bit clumsy and would increase the data storage of every database significantly.  It was interesting to review the zip codes to see just how many zip codes mapped to more than one city and how many cities mapped to more than one zip code.  We also learned just how long a city name could be.

Most clients have a relatively small area in which their patients reside.  Typically less than 10 zipcodes covers 90% or more of patients for any office.  Because of this we have a section in the Helpers for zip codes.  In this area you can enter the City, State, and Zip Code for the most common areas you serve.  You enter the zip codes simply by keying in each data item and then pressing ENTER to add the record.  The cursor will return to the entry line so you can immediately enter another zip code.  You can also poke any existing cell and edit the city, state, or zip code. 

To delete an entry just select it and use the right click menu and select delete.  You can also select the row header and press the DELETE key.

The zip codes entered will automatically and unconditionally be included in any zip code selection regarding the patient entry.  Remember, the zip codes for the patients are automatically listed by frequency to facilitate your rapid entry of patient information.

Email Us  Any questions, comments, or suggestions are welcome.