This article will help you set up your device so you are prepared to use Freed for in-person, telehealth, and phone call visits. By following these best practices for audio capture and device setup, you will enhance Freed's accuracy and performance to ensure high quality SOAP notes.
Audio Capture Best Practices
Topic | Best Practice |
Telehealth Visits | Please refer to the guidance in this article.
An alternative is to use Freed on a second device (like a smartphone) to record the conversation. |
Headphones/Headsets | In-person visits: do not use a headset or earbud microphone. A headset mic sits next to your mouth and will not pick up the patient, so the transcript captures only your side of the conversation. Use your device's built-in microphone, or an external mic placed between you and the patient.
Telehealth visits: headphones are expected — see Telehealth Visit Capture. |
Microphone Selection | Press Capture to start recording. Once recording begins, Freed shows a green audio level meter with a small arrow next to it. Click that arrow to see which microphone is in use and to switch to a different one — the currently selected device is ticked. In the Freed Chrome extension the button instead reads Capture in person or Capture telehealth, depending on the capture mode you have selected. |
Phone Calls | Use Freed on a second device, like a tablet or computer, to capture the audio from the phone call by placing the call on speaker. |
Quiet Environment | Aim for a quiet environment. Background noise, especially other conversations, can contaminate the audio recording and decrease the transcription accuracy. |
Laptop Setup | Position your laptop as close as possible to yourself and your patient. Keep the lid open and oriented toward the conversation. Observe the mic volume indicator to ensure the conversation is being captured. |
Phone or Tablet Setup | Place the phone or tablet on a stable surface between yourself and your patient. Observe the mic volume indicator to ensure the conversation is being captured. |
External Microphones | Position your external mic as close as possible to yourself and your patient. Orient the mic towards the conversation and observe the mic volume indicator to ensure the conversation is being captured. |
Screen Lock Prevention | Depending on your device settings, Freed may not be able to prevent the screen from locking or going to sleep. Observe the screen to ensure the conversation is being captured. You can resume the recording if it pauses unexpectedly. |
Desktop Browser: Navigating to a Different Window or Tab | Some browsers and browser extensions automatically freeze website activity when it is not in focus, which will interrupt Freed's audio capture. Prevent this issue by ensuring the window is visible and the conversation is being captured even while you are navigating to a different window (e.g., your EHR). |
Smartphone or Tablet: Navigating to a Different App | Navigating to a different app will automatically freeze app activity for Freed, which will interrupt audio capture. |
|Phone Call Visits|Single device setup: Use speakerphone mode to ensure both sides of the conversation are captured. Alternative setup: Use a secondary device, such as a tablet or another phone, to record the call. Position the microphone close to the speaker for optimal audio quality.|
Following these guidelines will help improve the overall experience when using Freed.
Verifying Successful Audio Capture
Use Freed’s built-in audio meter during a session to confirm both voices are being recorded:
Check if the green bar on the audio meter moves when you speak and when the client speaks.
Movement for both sides indicates proper audio capture, even if the exact levels differ slightly. The presence of activity is the main indicator.- Perform a quick test recording to confirm that both sides of the conversation are being captured clearly.
Following these guidelines ensures a successful recording experience with Freed, capturing both your voice and the client’s voice accurately.
Device Permissions
To ensure Freed functions correctly, you may need to update your device and browser settings for microphone access and battery optimization.
Platform/Browser | Steps to Enable Permissions |
Chrome (Desktop) | 1. Open Chrome settings.
We recommend using Chrome for the best experience. |
Firefox (Desktop) | 1. Go to Firefox settings. |
Edge (Desktop) | 1. Open Edge settings. |
Mac (System Settings) | 1. Open the Apple Menu () > "System Settings." |
Android (Battery Settings) | 1. Go to "Settings" > "Apps" > "Freed." |
iOS (Permissions) | 1. Go to "Settings" > "Privacy & Security" > "Microphone." |
Ensure these settings are properly configured to avoid any issues when using Freed for audio capture.
Get Support
If you need further help or have questions, you can get in touch with our Clinician Support team in the method that works best for you:
Start a chat by clicking the messenger icon in the bottom right corner.
Email your message to [email protected].
Join a live support call with our support team.
If you're interested in using Freed as a group, talk with our sales team.