Create a Session Note Retroactively
Last updated: October 12, 2025
If a therapist was unable to start a session on Alpaca at the time of the appointment and do live data collection, they can still create a note retroactively.
Note - this should not be a common occurrence for compliance reasons. Especially for Medicaid programs in Texas and Colorado, Electronic Visit Verification is required, which means sending the state a notification when a session actually begins.
Creating an Ad-hoc Session
To create an ad-hoc session for data that was collected but needs to be recorded with different details:
Click "Start Ad-hoc Session" on the navigation bar
Select the appropriate CPT as the service code
Select Self Dictation as the method
Select the correct client
Add the session data and take additional notes
End the session
Sign the note with the appropriate date, start time, end time, and other correct details
Important Timing Considerations
If you need to create an ad-hoc session for payroll purposes, make sure to complete this process before your payroll deadline to ensure proper billing and documentation.
When to Use Ad-hoc Sessions
Ad-hoc sessions are useful when:
A session was started with the wrong date
Data was collected for one client but recorded under another client's file
You need to create a session record after the fact with specific timing details
This method allows you to maintain accurate records while ensuring all session data is properly documented under the correct client and date.