Mental health care demands have been increasing in the United States with 56% of Americans wanting to seek mental health services. As a healthcare professional managing behavioral health can be a challenging task that requires inbuilt features and tools specifically designed for mental health and addiction treatment practice. A Multi-Specialty EHR Software will not work for your psychiatry practice as the requirements of this field are complex and vary when compared to other medical specialties.
The Psychiatry EHR Software features improve and simplify the psychiatrist day to day workflows through tools such as customizable templates and a dedicated Patient Portal. These robust features fulfill the needs of a psychiatry practice through effective data sharing and medication monitoring.
Key Features for Psychiatry EHR Software
Before making a decision for your mental health practice it is good to be well informed about the key features that need to be present in your Psychiatry EHR Software.
Medication Monitoring – As a Psychiatrist, you should look for an Electronic Health Records (EHR) Software that can effectively monitor a patient’s health through data sharing with other health care providers, and also be able to monitor the medications taken by the patient. This will help to enhance patient safety as the provider will be alerted of any risk of a harmful drug interaction. Many mental health care providers are dealing with patients with a substance abuse history or are currently having issues. Through the medication management tool, the provider is able to monitor any warning signs of substance abuse found in medications prescribed by other providers.
Patient Engagement Tools – Robust Patient Engagement tools provide core functionalities to mental health practice. It is critical that the Psychiatry EHR Software provides a way to link providers and patients on a safe and encrypted platform. Make sure the Patient Portal is HIPAA compliant and offers effective two way messaging. A Patient Portal may also allow patients to schedule online appointments and hence reduce the issue of no-shows. Enhanced communication facilitates the treatment process as the patient feels they can actively participate in the entire process by connecting effectively with their provider.
Interoperability – The Psychiatry EHR Software System should have the ability to share clinical information and data without a hassle. This interoperability helps to coordinate care across different settings and is crucial for effective on-going patient treatment.
Data Entry Tools – Multiple data entry tools such as point and click, voice recognition, and health reminders help clinicians in the charting process saving a lot of time.
Telemedicine – Telemedicine platform in your psychiatry specific EHR can prove as an effective clinical tool to provide mental health services. Video-based sessions can help reach patients in rural areas and inner-city areas. These virtual sessions are convenient and affordable and provide face to face contact between the provider and the patient. Through telemedicine solutions, effective treatment and consultations can be provided to substance abuse and mental health patients from the comfort of their homes.
Security– Security and privacy are crucial when it comes to psychiatry practice. Patients share sensitive and personal data. You should look for an EHR software that offers HIPAA Compliance to provide Meaningful Use Certification.
Ehrinpractice.com. 2020. Critical Requirements For A Psychiatry EHR. [online] Available at: <https://www.ehrinpractice.com/psychiatry-ehr-critical-requirements.html> [Accessed 5 May 2020]
O’Connor, S., 2020. Everything You Need To Know About Behavioral Health EHR Software. [online] Adsc.com. Available at: <https://www.adsc.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-behavioral-health-ehr-software> [Accessed 5 May 2020]
iPatientCare. 2020. How Psychiatry EHR Features Enhance Your Practice’S Performance?. [online] Available at: <https://ipatientcare.com/blog/psychiatry-ehr-features-to-enhance-practices-performance/> [Accessed 5 May 2020]
