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Frequently Asked Questions For AnyReport For MicroMD PM

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Setup, Installation and Upgrade

AnyReport Concepts

What is the difference between AnyReport Designer and Runtime Versions?

The AnyReport model is based on the idea that end users (i.e. physicians and medical practice employees) are not as familiar with the database table structure, the related fields and how the tables relate to each other (via database triggers, views, stored procedures, etc). Since resellers have a better understanding of the underlying database structure of tables and fields, they are in a better position to create and edit reports that yield accurate results.

The Runtime version of AnyReport allows users to run a vast array of reports (over 95 reports and growing) and integrate these reports into the MicroMD PM. Runtime also allows reports to be run manually from the AnyReport application, manually from within MicroMD PM or automatically as batch files or setup within Windows scheduler.

Reports can be scheduled to run on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or a custom time period; have the option to automatically save the report to a specific directory, print to a printer, send the report as an email or be viewed in a dialog window. Reports can be saved in many formats including Microsoft Excel, PDF, RTF (Rich Text Format, like Microsoft Word), HTML or TIFF image.

Since MicroMD resellers have a better understanding of the underlying database than the average practice provider, it is our recommendation, that for nearly all users, the Runtime version is what they should consider.

The Designer version of AnyReport allows users to do everything the Runtime version can do and includes the ability to create and edit reports. There are rare times when a practice does have the technical staff (IT resources) that is familiar with the MicroMD database has a strong understanding of database query language (SQL) and understands the MicroMD table relations, respective table fields, the database triggers and stored procedures. Under such situations, if a practice has the time and desire to edit and create reports, Micro-Office Systems will sell the Designer version.

Both versions come with full documentation and support. The Runtime version documentation is freely available for download from the Micro-Office website (http://www.micro-officeSystems.com/downloads.aspx). The Designer version documentation is distributed upon request and/or purchase of the utility.

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What is the difference between Templates and Reports?

A template contains the information that controls the basic structure of the report. It also controls the generation of the report. The template determines which underlying database tables are used and consequently which columns are available for displaying, grouping and ordering when generating the report. It also determines which data is selected from the database. A report has a well-defined structure and layout. The displayed column names, column widths, the grouping and ordering of data, as well as which filters and prompts, layout, font size, font spacing and which printer settings to use are all determined at the report level. See Volume 1 page 2 of our documentation for a complete description of templates and reports and their differences.

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How do I connect to the MicroMD PM database?

When the AnyReport utility is started, select the ‘Connections’ tab and fill in the ODBC source that points to the MicroMD database. You can use the ‘Browse’ button to find the existing ODBC connection for your database. Then click on the ‘Test Connection’ button to activate the connection. If you have trouble finding the appropriate ODBC connection, contact your IT Administrator or System Administrator.

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How do I license my practice?

The AnyReport utility has the License connection on a separate tab. [Newer interfaces have licensing as part of the Connection tab]. When you purchase AnyReport, you will be given a license key for a specific practice name. Enter the license key in the Code field next to the corresponding practice name (medical databases with multiple practices will need a license key for each practice name). If your license is a trial license, enter the expiration date (note the license key is encoded with the expiration date). Click on the ‘Validate’ button to activate the license. If you have problems validating the license, please contact us at support@micro-officesystems.com.

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Setup, Installation and Upgrade

Where should I install AnyReport?

AnyReport is distributed as a zip file and can be unzipped to any directory. However, Micro-Office recommends installing AnyReport to a standard directory c:\Program Files\AnyReport\.

When the file is unzipped, all the standard Reports, Templates, Layouts and associated files will install to their respective directories under the top level directory where it was unzipped.

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I have a custom report. How do I add it to AnyReport?

When AnyReport first starts up, it loads all the templates, reports and layouts located in the "Templates", "Reports" and "Layouts" subdirectories which are in the AnyReport base path (default installation directory: c:\Program Files\AnyReport).

A custom report can be added to any directory or subdirectory within the AnyReport\Reports\ directory. You may even create your own directory (e.g. AnyReport\Reports\Custom\ or AnyReport\Reports\Custom\MyPractice\ ) under the \Reports\ directory.

However, there may be times in which you will want to place new or custom reports into directories that are not in the base path. In this case, you can define additional paths for AnyReport to load new or custom reports at startup.

Each additional path directory must contain a 'Reports' subdirectory which contains the custom AnyReport .arr files. Changes here will not be reflected until the next time AnyReport is started.

Note that the primary use of the data directories is to have all network workstations point to a single shared AnyReport directory on the server. However, security exceptions in .NET could cause these network paths to not be read. Please see our documentation (Vol 1, Appendix B) for information on accessing network paths.

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I have a custom template. How do I add it to AnyReport?

When AnyReport first starts up, it loads all the templates, reports and layouts located in the "Templates", "Reports" and "Layouts" subdirectories which are in the AnyReport base path (default installation directory: c:\Program Files\AnyReport).

A custom template can be added to any directory or subdirectory within the AnyReport\Templates\ directory. You may even create your own directory (e.g. AnyReport\Templates\Custom\ or AnyReport\Templates\Custom\MyPractice\ ) under the \Templates\ directory.

However, there may be times in which you will want to place new or custom templates into directories that are not in the base path. In this case, you can define additional paths for AnyReport to load new or custom templates at startup.

Each additional path directory must contain a 'Templates' subdirectory which contains the custom AnyReport .art files. Changes here will not be reflected until the next time AnyReport is started.

Note that the primary use of the data directories is to have all network workstations point to a single shared AnyReport directory on the server. However, security exceptions in .NET could cause these network paths to not be read. Please see our documentation (Vol 1, Appendix B) for information on accessing network paths.

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Micro-Office sent me an update to the AnyReport database. Where does it get installed?

The AnyReport database is located in the same directory as the AnyReport executable. By default it is located in C:\Program Files\AnyReport\. The database can be installed to the same directory.

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Running AnyReport

Can AnyReport Run Reports across Multiple Practices if they are within the same database?

Yes. If a MicroMD PM database is set up with multiple practices, the AnyReport utility can run reports across all practices or any combination of practices in the database. For example, if a MicroMD PM was set up with three practices (#1, #2 and #3), then reports could be configured to run against practices 1 and 3 or practices 1 and 2 and so forth.

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How do I attach reports to the MicroMD menu?

Right-click on the report and select the 'Create Shortcut' menu item. Select either 'MicroMD: HotKey' or 'MicroMD: Custom' options. Click the 'OK' button and restart the MicroMD application. You will see your report added to the MicroMD 'Add-Ons' menu item. See our documentation (Vol 2 pg 31) for more complete information and screen shots.

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How Do I Run Reports In MicroMD?

Attach your report to the MicroMD application menu (see question above) and select the report from the MicroMD menu. The report will start automatically. See our documentation (Vol 2 pg 31) for more complete information and screen shots.

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Can I run the AnyReport utility (not just specific reports) from within MicroMD?

Yes. While AnyReport is running, select the "MicroMD Menu" tab. There is a window at the bottom with two checkboxes. Select one of the checkboxes to automatically add the AnyReport utility to the MicroMD menu. For complete details, see our documentation (Vol 2 pg 37).

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How do I add new or custom reports to AnyReport?

Place the custom report (.arr file) in a directory called 'Reports'. If the report is placed in the default Reports directory ('c:\ProgramFiles\AnyReport\Reports\'), you will see it the next time AnyReport is restarted. If the report is placed in another directory named 'Reports', tell AnyReport where this directory is located by selecting the 'Directories' tab and adding the directory to AnyReport.

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Is There a Way to Print Address Labels?

Yes. AnyReport has additional layouts that come standard with the application: the ‘Dymo LabelWriter’ layout and the Avery5160 layout:

The ‘Dymo LabelWriter’ layout:

The Avery5160 layout:

We can generate custom layouts for your needs too. Contact us for your customization needs.

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Editing Reports

In order to edit or create new reports, a Designer Version of AnyReport is needed.
Resellers, please read your documentation or contact support for additional information.

How do I edit a report?

Using the Designer version of AnyReport, after successfully connecting to the MicroMD database and licensing the practice in the AnyReport utility, you can right-click on the report and select the 'Edit' menu option. See our documentation (Vol 4, pg 3) for complete information.
Resellers please read your documentation or contact support for additional information.

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My 'Edit' menu item is greyed-out. How do I edit my report?

You need to have the Designer Version of AnyReport in order to edit or create new reports. Be sure you have successfully connected to the MicroMD database and successfully licensed the practice within the AnyReport utility. If you think you have successfully connected and licensed your practice in AnyReport and are still having difficulties, please contact us at support@micro-officesystems.com.
Resellers please read your documentation or contact support for additional information.

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How do I change font size?

Using the Designer version of AnyReport, right click the report and select the 'Edit' menu option. Click on the button ('…') next to 'Font'. See our documentation (Volume 1 page 6) for additional information.

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How do I increase spacing between lines?

Using the Designer version of AnyReport, right click the report and select the ‘Edit’ menu option. Select the 'Line Spacing' up/down buttons to increase or decrease the spacing between the report’s data output.

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Can I add a new field to a Report?

Yes. Using the Designer version of AnyReport, right click the report and select the 'Edit' menu option. Select the 'Fields' tab and click on the textbox in the first column and select a field from the dropdown of available fields. See our documentation that is distributed with the Designer verion of AnyReport for more complete details (Vol 4, Ch3).

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Can I change the order that Fields are displayed?

Yes. Using the Designer version of AnyReport, right click the report and select the ‘Edit’ menu option. Select the ‘Fields’ tab, select the field you want to move and click on the Up/Down buttons. See our documentation that is distributed with the Designer verion of AnyReport for more complete details (Vol 4, Ch3).

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How do I add a filter to a report?

Using the Designer version of AnyReport, right click the report and select the ‘Edit’ menu option. Select the ‘Filters’ tab and click on the 'New Filter' button to bring up the 'Create Filter Dialog'. Select the desired filter from the 'Column' dropdown. Set the filter to be 'Fixed' if you want the filter to always be set to a constant value. Set the filter to 'Prompt' if you want the user to enter a value for the filter. Set the 'Operator' according to how you want to use the filter. See our documentation that is distributed with the Designer verion of AnyReport for more complete details (Vol 4, Ch 4 pp20-22).

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How do I add/remove a Grouping?

Using the Designer version of AnyReport, right click the report and select the ‘Edit’ menu option. Select the ‘Grouping’ tab and click on the textbox in the first column and select a grouping from the dropdown of available Groupings. See our documentation that is distributed with the Designer verion of AnyReport for more complete details (Vol 4, Ch 5).

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How do I set the default Ordering or Grouping?

Using the Designer version of AnyReport, right click the report and select the ‘Edit’ menu option. Select the ‘Grouping’ tab and select the grouping that you want to make default. Click to check the ‘default’ checkbox next to the grouping. See our documentation that is distributed with the Designer verion of AnyReport for more complete details (Vol 4, Ch 5).

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Can the Groups Be Color Coded?

Yes. While editing a report in the Designer version of AnyReport, select the Grouping tab and click on the textbox under the ‘Color’ column to change from the default Black color to another color. See our documentation that is distributed with the Designer verion of AnyReport for more complete details (Vol 4, Ch 5).

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Can I output data from a report to a text file?

Yes. The data from a report can either be manually outputted to text after a report runs or a report can be configured to automatically output the data to text (Runtime or Designer versions). Using the Runtime version, a user can create a report shortcut (or batch file or MicroMD menu item) that outputs to a Rich Text File (RTF) such as Microsoft Word. Using the Designer version of AnyReport, a report can be configured to output the data by default (without setting shortcuts or batch files) to output to text.

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Can I display a report in Excel?

Yes. The data from a report can either be manually outputted to Excel after a report runs or a report can be configured to automatically output the data to Excel (Runtime or Designer versions). Using the Runtime version, a user can create a report shortcut (or batch file or MicroMD menu item) that outputs to Excel. Using the Designer version of AnyReport, a report can be configured to output the data by default (without setting shortcuts or batch files) to output to Exel using the CSV Layout which comes standard in AnyReport.

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Is there a way to change from CSV (comma delimited) to pipe delimited?

Yes. As of AnyReport Designer version build 6.1.3533 or later, we now have the capability to specify various properties for CSV layouts, such as the delimiter type, to quote the strings (or not), the file extension and which characters to use for line prefixes or suffixes. Using the Designer version of AnyReport, right click the report and select the 'Edit' menu option. Select the 'Main' tab. Under the Layouts section (which is set for CSV File) click the ‘Settings’ button to bring up the 'LayoutCSV Properties' dialog. Here you can set the delimiter value for the report output.

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Can I put quotes (or remove quotes) from around Strings in my output text file?

Yes. As of AnyReport Designer version build 6.1.3533 or later, we now have the capability to specify various properties for CSV layouts, such as the delimiter type, to quote the strings (or not), the file extension and which characters to use for line prefixes or suffixes. Using the Designer version of AnyReport, right click the report and select the 'Edit' menu option. Select the 'Main' tab. Under the Layouts section (which is set for CSV File) click the 'Settings' button to bring up the 'LayoutCSV Properties' dialog. Here you can set the 'Quote Strings' property to true or false depending on whether or not you want to have the strings quoted or not.

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How Do I associate a PDF form with AnyReport?

The release version of AnyReport 6.1.3533 or later, now has the capability to associate PDF forms with AnyReport reports. To associate a PDF form with the report, select the report which will pull the data out of MicroMD and right-click it and select 'Edit'. Change the layout to "PDF Form" and click on the 'Settings' button next to layouts. A Layout Editor dialog allows for specifying the location of the PDF form as well as where the completed PDF should be saved after the report is run.

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How Do I Modify The Date Format?

To modify the output format of a date field:

Open the arr report file in a text editor.
scroll down to the section that starts with:
<Fields type="MicroOffice.Report.FieldCollection">
within the Fields section there are field sections:
<Item0 type="MicroOffice.Report.Field">
Find the field with the date you want to modify. (The fields are listed in the order listed in AnyReport). You can identify the field by the <Title> tag:
<Title type="System.String">Policy Number</Title>
Under the <Layout> tag, add the OutputFormat tag with the date format you want:
<OutputFormat>dd/MM/yyyy -- yy-MMM-dd ** ddd, MMM dd, yyyy</OutputFormat>
The symbols between the opening <OutputFormat> and closing </OutputFormat> tags define the format.

     Symbol	Description 
     yy		Two digit year 
     yyyy		Four digit year 
     mm		A 2 digit month or 2 digit minutes if followed by colon (like hh:mm) 
     mmm[m...]	Character short form for months — as many characters as "m"s 
     d		Single digit day of week, (0 = Sunday, 6 = Saturday) 
     dd		Two digit day of month 
     ddd[d...]	Character short form for day of the week 
     hh		Two digit hours 
     nn		Two digit minutes 
     ss[.ss..]	Seconds and parts of a second 
     aa		AM or PM (12 hour clock) 
     pp		PM if needed (12 hour clock)
     jjj		Day of the year, from 1 to 366

So the above format example displays:
02/03/1985 -- 85-MAR-03 ** Tue, MAR 03, 1985

So, for example, the field you want will look like this:


  <root>
    <Template>
      <ID type="System.String">ReferenceCodes_Patient</ID>
    </Template>
    <Identification>
      <Title type="System.String">Patient Report</Title>
    </Identification>
    <Fields type="MicroOffice.Report.FieldCollection">
      <Count type="System.Int32">23</Count>
      . . .
      <Item22 type="MicroOffice.Report.Field">
        <Alias type="System.String">F8</Alias>
        <ColumnParameterValues type="MicroOffice.Report.ReportColumnParameterValueCollection">
          <Count type="System.Int32">0</Count>
        </ColumnParameterValues>
        <Title type="System.String">Date Of Birth</Title>
        <Layout>
          <Width>
            <Value type="System.Decimal">10</Value>
            <Units type="System.String">chars</Units>
          </Width>
          <OutputFormat>ddd, MMM dd, yyyy</OutputFormat>
        </Layout>
      </Item22>
      . . .
    </Fields>

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Common AnyReport Errors

I used to be able to create shortcuts, but now its greyed out. What’s happened?

Greyed Out Shortcut Menu Item On Default Reports

You can only create shortcuts on reports that are not part of the template. Default reports are built into the templates and are meant to be used as 'template reports'. That is, these are meant as examples to be used to create new reports based on the default example that the template provides. (See FAQ on "What’s the difference between a Template and a Report")

AnyReport is configured to only add reports (not templates) into micromd. If you like the default report as-is and would like to add it as a shortcut into micromd, just right-click on it, select 'New Report', save it off and then create a shortcut from that newly created report.

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Warning Dialog "Warning: Could Not Load Field 'F1234' … "

Warning Dialog Img: Couldn't load field ZZZZ ...

This warning dialog occurs when trying to run a report that is built on a newer version of the AnyReport database. Go to the Micro-Office website and download the latest AnyReport update to get the latest database to correct this error.

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My Edit menu item is Greyed-out. How Do I Edit My Report?

The 'Edit' menu is enabled only when the Designer version of AnyReport is purchased. If you think it should be enabled or you are a reseller and are having difficulties editing and/or creating new reports, please contact support@micro-officeSystems.com and we’ll be glad to help.
Resellers, please read your documentation or contact support for additional information.

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Utility Error "System.Data.OleDb.OleDbException: Request to start/stop database denied … "

OleDbException: Request Start/Stop Database Denied.

Error dialog "System.Data.OleDbException: Not a valid password … "

This error usually is a symptom of an improperly setup ODBC connection. Contract your reseller, IT department or system administrator to configure the ODBC connection.

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Error dialog "Could not load report ... A report can never be assigned a null template …"

When AnyReport starts up it loads all the templates and all the reports in the directories associated with AnyReport. All reports are based off of templates. When AnyReport loads the reports it checks to make sure that the report’s template has been loaded. If a template for given report is not found, an error such as the one above, is shown to warn the user that the report did not load (and won’t be listed when AnyReport starts up). Be sure that the template files (.art) are loaded in a ‘Templates’ directory and the report files (.arr) are loaded in a ‘Reports’ directory. . If you think the template and report is in the correct directory and you are still having difficulties, please contact support@micro-officeSystems.com and we’ll be glad to help.

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Utility Error "System.Data.OleDb.OleDbException: Syntax error near …"

Error dialog "Could not load module … of assembly … "

Error dialog "Could not load template class 'AgingTemplate …"

Utility Error "System.MissingMethodException: Method not found … "

This error is a result of a mismatch between the installed AnyReport subcomponents. Upgrading to latest build of AnyReport from the Micro-Office website to correct this error.

Incompatible subcomponents across different builts will result in various erroneous messages.
Download the latest version of AnyReport from our website. If you still experience errors after upgrading, please contact support@micro-officeSystems.com and we’ll be glad to help.

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Utility Error "InvalidPrinterException: No printers are installed …"

The most common cause of this error is that the machine has an invalid printer settings caused by referencing a nonexistent printer. When AnyReport starts up it checks for a valid printer connection. Check the computer where AnyReport is installed and make sure it has a default printer set.

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Troubleshooting Reports

Why Don’t My Financial Reports Match? (Why Transaction Reports Don’t Match Day Sheet Totals)

One of the most commonly asked questions revolve around why the totals don’t match between transaction totals and day sheet totals.

The common reports that many try to compare are the Provider Utilization Day Sheet Report and the Provider Utilization Summary Report. Unfortunately, comparing these reports will most often yield different results.

Behind The Scenes (under the covers)
The reason why these reports often will not match is because of the way MicroMD stores transaction and day sheet information. It uses a number of different tables, namely the transaction table, the open day sheet table, the deleted transaction table and the closed day sheet table.

The transaction table - contains all transactions that have not been deleted. When a transaction is backed out or merged into a sequence, it is deleted from the transaction table and moved into the deleted transactions table.
The deleted transactions table – stores all transactions deleted from the transaction table.
The day sheet table – contains all transaction activity that happened for that day. Each transaction in this table contains specific information such as the associated plan, provider, posting date, procedure and so forth.
The closed day sheet table – when the day sheet is closed all entries in the day sheet table for that day are moved from the open day sheet table and copied to the closed day sheet table. Many transaction specific details that were stored in the day sheet table are lost when moved into this table since this table is an aggregate table that shows the bigger audit picture and not meant for granular details.

The Ideal Situation
If transactions were never backed out or never merged in sequences, then running reports based on the transactions and comparing them to reports run against the day sheets would match perfectly.

Actual Situations
The reality is that often there are times when transactions need to be deleted, backed out or merged into a different sequence. When this occurs, it usually happens that posting date of the transaction will be different from when the transaction deletion occurs.

Therefore, trying to compare A/R for a subset of transactions or a given period of time will inevitably yield different totals when run against the transactions versus against day sheets.

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