There are many questions to ask when figuring out what the right system will be. Discover four key benefits your EHR should provide for enhancing patient care:
1. Data Security and Backups
If you have a local server-based EHR system, then you are risking data loss. Do you have off-site backups of your records? Are you prepared for data recovery? The right behavioral health EHR ensures your patient records are secured. With a cloud-based EHR, you won’t have to have to worry about hardware or software failures. All patient information is stored remotely, allowing psychiatrists and therapist to securely log in from any location with an Internet connection.
2. Reduced Patient Wait Times
Transitioning from paper records to EHR technology should reduce patient wait times. However, if your staff struggles with the system, wait times may increase. The right EHR solution should make it easy to pull up records quickly, thus reducing patient wait times and enhancing the overall experience.
3. Improved Decision Making
The right EHR supports your decision-making process by providing comprehensive, organized patient information. With detailed patient data from your practice and other providers, you have a full picture for making the best treatment decisions. This is particularly crucial in psychiatry and behavioral health, where understanding a patient’s history and current treatment plans is essential for effective care.
4. Better Patient Communication
The right EHR fosters better communication between patients and providers. Patients can update their health records, schedule appointments, and receive medication instructions through a patient portal. They can also access educational materials relevant their mental health. Effective communication includes automated reminders for appointments and health maintenance. The right system encourages patients to take an active rol in their mental health care, aligning with the goals of Meaningful Use attestation.
With the right EHR, your psychiatry and behavioral health practice can provide better, faster healthcare, leading to more satisfied patients.