Behavioral Health EMR: Definition and Benefits

Curious about Behavioral Health EMR? Here are some things to consider as you gather information:

Definition of Behavioral Health EMR

EMR = Electronic Medical Records, also known as EHR, or Electronic Health Records. EMR is an electronic version of traditional paper charts. It often includes electronic variations of session notes. Because mental health EMR is the client chart, it usually includes intake documentation, the treatment plan, and patient demographics. Many other items are in the patient record as well.

Because each program is different, it’s important to confirm exactly what is or isn’t included when shopping for a system. “Mental health EMR” is broad and covers a spectrum.  This consists of a range from a simple PDF version of session notes to multi-faceted systems that weave together every element of daily operations.

Benefits of Behavioral Health EMR

Data / HIPAA Security

Inarguably, the biggest benefit to electronic records is added security. Most Behavioral Health EMRs are not just Word or PDF versions of notes. They are secure programs that require unique passwords for each user. They also usually include data security and/or HIPAA compliance elements.

It’s far easier for someone with malicious data breach intent to access paper records than to hack into an electronic system. One of the biggest pros of behavioral health EMRs is that they typically protect client & agency data far more effectively than traditional paper charts.

Increased Efficiency

Another strong benefit to Behavioral Health EMR is that it typically increases efficiency. Every program is different. Consider how much easier it is to process facility documents typed in a standard format vs. handwritten without protocols or a framework. That alone can save significant amounts of time.

Because Practice Management Systems integrate the various aspects of an organization, they can greatly reduce duplicate entry. For example, a Behavioral Health EMR might give you the ability to take a credit card payment from a client at the front desk, as they are scheduling their next appointment; this information is then automatically available in the invoicing portion of the EMR, meaning that the biller doesn’t have to hunt for patient co-pays.

In one fell swoop, you can schedule the next session, print the client a statement of their current balance due, receive alerts for any renewals needed (ie, “we need you to sign an updated consent to treatment”), and communicate with the billing team that you’ve received a payment from the client on this date, for these visits. Depending on the size and framework of your agency, this elimination of duplicate data entry can greatly increase agency efficiency.

Enhanced Client Care / Reduction of Error

Another benefit of Behavioral Health EMRs is that they can dramatically reduce medical errors. While there typically aren’t as many medications in mental health practice, psychiatric drugs can be very powerful and need to be carefully monitored for effectiveness, intensity, and possible interactions (both drug-to-drug and drug-to-allergy).

A robust behavioral health EMR might provide a daily status report from your clients through the patient portal, detailed graphing of prescription effectiveness, and automated safeguards for medication interactions. These types of safeguards protect both the clinician and the client.

Tips for Evaluating Behavioral Health EMR

Identifying the processes you want to change is the best starting point if you’re looking for the proper behavioral health EMR for your agency. For example, are you dedicated to your external billing vendor and don’t want to stop using them for invoicing? Then you’ll need a system that allows you to utilize digital versions of what you want to change, such as notes, treatment plan, calendar, but also allows you to integrate with your current biller. However, remember that every additional system used increases the potential for workflow backlog.

Sometimes, keeping the systems you’re currently using makes the most sense; other times, you’ll need to take the plunge and incorporate one electronic program that integrates everything, releasing those outgrown systems you might be clinging to. “If nothing changes, nothing changes.” 🙂

Click here for our complimentary guide to behavioral health EMR – or get more resources in our EHR Resource Center, geared to mental & behavioral health.

For more details about PIMSY’s, comprehensive, flexible, and affordable EHR solutions, get the details here – or contact us for details: 877.334.8512 – hello@pimsyehr.com