A mental health EHR system combines technology and expertise that empowers healthcare providers in delivering quality health care services. The human mind has an unbelievable capacity to heal itself, and the systems set up for mental health care allow nurturing cognitive abilities at home through natural therapy and counseling, instead of sending patients to nursing homes or hospitals where they may be stuck for months or even years while receiving little to no help. Mental health EHR systems also connect patients with the appropriate healthcare providers when they are ready for therapy or counseling, rather than waiting for an emergency room when a loved one might need their help. The best mental health EHR system will consider all of these areas when developing a plan that works well for each patient.
Before anyone can understand why there are so many advantages to using electronic health records, it is important to understand the best mental health EHR software. This is a very personal issue, depending on what type of systems one’s doctor has chosen. For example, some doctors use voice recognition technology and allow patients to talk about their problems in an instant chat session right from their computer. Others prefer something more visually oriented, and some may even use voice transcription software. No matter which type of electronic medical software one chooses, it must meet certain guidelines for the best mental health practice.
The first step toward choosing the best mental health EHR software is to meet all the requirements. This includes having voice recognition technology, the ability to communicate with patients in real-time via email or text, and a way for patients to update their information. Some options can even have patient calendars or notes built-in, allowing them to take care of their health information themselves and not have to wait for a paper copy to arrive. The best mental health EHR software should also have an easy navigation menu and allow many patients and doctors to connect.
Another important factor to consider is that any software should be HIPAA compliant. This helps protect the privacy of the individual’s health information. In addition, any information shared between physicians should be protected and should be able to be backed up at the click of a button, should the need arise. This is especially important with patient records, which are often more sensitive than other documents because they are meant to keep track of one’s health.
Another feature that is helpful to any doctor who wants to ensure that their patients are getting the best mental health EHR package is an EMR Integration Tool. With this tool, a doctor can import a patient record directly into the software without going through the patient forms one by one. Thus, it helps cut down on paper, time, and staff involved in the process and keeps everything within one system. In addition, if multiple methods need to be integrated, the user can select which ones to import and copy, saving a great deal of time and paperwork.
Most electronic systems also have secure socket layer (SSL) security, keeping private information safe from hackers. Some companies also offer the option of using VPN technology, which allows the healthcare provider to remotely access the patient’s records. The goal is to give the doctor all the access he needs but remain hidden from the outside world. Many hospitals and clinics use these technologies because it offers them peace of mind that the information they are sharing is encrypted and safe from unauthorized access. An EHR can greatly reduce the chances of a healthcare provider leaking information and can prevent patients from being turned away from a healthcare facility.
The quality of any EHR depends on how accurately it takes the data from the patient and converts it to a format that the electronic system can understand. Any tool that doesn’t properly convert data into an EHR record needs to be improved. Because an EHR requires minimal patient information to complete the process, the conversion needs to be as accurate as possible. Therefore, the data is as close to perfect as possible. This is why companies that specialize in the transformation of patient records are so valuable to healthcare providers; they know exactly what software to use and have the knowledge base to customize everything to the patient’s exact specifications.
To improve the conversion of patient data into an EHR, some companies like CapMinds offer their clients free technical support. However, the help comes when creating the actual EHR and helping the healthcare professionals who use the system to customize it to their patients’ needs. So, if you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, it might be time to consider a professional provider for your EHR software, whether it’s an on-site program or a cloud-based capminds install.
