The EMR software market was relatively new and behavioral health professionals didn't have many options to meet their needs. Many chose to use more generic EMRs than they needed for their organization's needs. It's clear that the tide has turned in recent years. A report by Fortune Business Insights predicts that the market for behavioral health care will grow from $77.62 million in 2021 to $99.40 million in 2028. The need for EHR Software for behavioral health and mental healthcare software systems grew as specialty clinics gained popularity.
EMRs specifically designed for specialty health care providers are now a requirement. This could include medical EMRs that are robust and well-constructed modules, tailored to their specific specialty. Modern behavioral health professionals are choosing specialty-specific systems most of the times. The mental health sector is expanding at an incredible rate. There are many behavioral health EHR technology today.
What is Behavioral Health EHR/EMR software?
The Behavioral Health EHR/EMR Software assists health care professionals to deliver high-quality care and improve patient outcomes . They streamline work processes and help save time and money by streamlining communication between clinicians and patients. Patients can be notified by text, email, or telephone. E-prescribing allows you to track prescription requests, and ensures that patients consume the right medications.
You can quickly submit accurate claims using e-claim technology. These applications simplify your workflow by reducing administrative tasks like billing, documenting and scheduling, as well as reporting. Clients can pay their bills electronically and process credit cards through patient portals. To better monitor the progress of patients, you can attach notes to files. Analytical modules allow you to track changes over time.
Implementation
Two main steps can be taken to search for EMRs in behavioral health:
Analyze your needs. The more you know your EMR requirements, and the better your purchase will be, the greater your chances of a successful outcome, both financially and clinically.
Use your list of requirements to evaluate potential EMR vendors.
When determining your EMR requirements, it is important to determine what your clinicians require. Your organization won't see much benefit if your clinicians are uncomfortable using the system. If you are replacing an EMR, you should ask your clinicians what they think of it. You should also talk about what they want out of a new EMR.
Unfortunately, many organizations ignore their clinicians and end up purchasing EMRs they don't understand, or just don't want. This is a mistake to avoid.
Be aware of your facility's specific needs and current issues when searching for EMR software for behavioral health. Both cloud-based healthcare technology solutions offer their benefits, but some clinics will be more successful with one than the other. A cloud-based solution would be more beneficial for specialty clinics such as behavioral health facilities than for hospitals with many departments. On-premise solutions also require you to have your own IT team to handle updates and issues.
Sometimes, a less-known system can be just as effective in meeting the needs of behavioral health practitioners than systems developed by vendors with larger marketing budgets. Some vendors may charge additional fees for adding features or applications.
It may seem difficult at first to distinguish between specialty EMR systems, let alone rank them. If you carefully compare the features of different vendors and adhere to your requirements you will find an EMR that allows you to easily share patient records, improves your bill process, and makes your health records accessible from any device.
Common Questions
With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right EHR software for behavioral health. It is important to find the right application for your workflow. We have listed below some questions that you can use in order to get started on your journey towards behavioral health software selection.
General
How much does the system cost?
Is it possible to have a plan customized according to my features?
Requirements for the System
What are the compatibility requirements for your product?
Is the platform mobile-friendly
Is the app compatible with an Internet connection?
Privacy and security
What level of data encryption does the solution offer you?
Is cloud storage protected?
Federal Regulations
Is the product ONC-certified?
Is the software compliant with HIPAA regulations?
Best Behavioral Health EHR/EMR Software
We have narrowed down the list to five top behavioral health EMR/EHR programs in order to make it easier. We will be discussing each vendor and their key tasks throughout this article.
Cloud-based solutions are often the best option for behavioral health treatment, which is largely done in outpatient facilities and clinics. Our top five behavioral EHR/EMR options are all cloud-based.
TheraNest
TheraNest is used by all types of organizations. It helps counselors, therapists, and social workers to streamline their daily operations. It provides management, scheduling and billing modules. Clients can electronically submit and sign forms. It allows you to save files on a secure server and not worry about data breaches. With just a few clicks, patients can see available slots and book appointments.
You can also conduct virtual sessions with clients to better understand them. Mobile devices allow you to access the information from anywhere. To reduce the no-show rate, automatically send reminders for appointments to clients through the patient portal.
Benefits
Stay Mobile: View appointments and create treatment plans using an internet-enabled device. Electronic signatures are possible for patients. With just a few clicks, you can also access the DSM-5 or ICD-10 diagnostic codes.
No Hassle Notes Management: TheraNest is compatible with Wiley Practice Planners. This allows you to store and create therapy notes such as treatment plans, initial assessments, and progress records. Clients can approve, deny, and cosign forms. Send notes as PDFs to clients
Unlimited User Accounts: It is possible to add unlimited users (e.g. students, teachers, interns, front desk staff, billers) at no additional cost.
Features
Patient Portal: Create intake forms for therapy using pre-built templates. Patients can submit their documents online, and staff can schedule appointments according to their availability. Clients can also clear credit card balances electronically and make payments electronically. You will receive updates in real-time to ensure you don't miss important details.
Scheduling It is possible to create appointments for individuals, groups, or multiple staff members. The calendar can be filtered by service type, location, and staff member. Notifications will be sent when schedules are changed. To improve workflows, you can integrate with Apple iCal or Google Calendar.
Invoicing and Billing: Allows doctors to create invoices electronically and send them out. Batch invoicing allows you to search for unbilled appointments, create invoices and send them out all at once. To generate accurate bills, you can access the built-in CPT codes for mental health. To assess your practice, print and download the claim insurance forms (CMS-1500).
Telehealth: Allows you to hold online individual or group therapy sessions up to six people using video conferencing technology. You can share files and work together digitally. Patients can also join meetings using their mobile devices.
TherapyNotes
TherapyNotes is an EMR that can be used by therapists, psychiatrists and social workers. TherapyNotes features include billing, claims management and documentation. There is also technical support.
It includes both practice management and EMR capabilities. The scheduling software allows you to track physician schedules, patient appointments, and billing.
TherapyNotes offers practice management functions such as one-click electronic claim submission, direct receipt from certain insurance companies of Electronic Remittance Advice, credit/debit/HSA processing, and the ability generate patient statements and superbills.
Benefits
Reminders for Appointments: Inform patients via text, email, or phone call about upcoming sessions to lower no-show rates. This helps you avoid cancellations last minute.
Access Automated MODIFIER Codes: Use default modifier codes to set billing settings, multiple practice locations, and services. These codes can be automatically attached to patient's claim documents.
Unlimited Support: Contact the support team via phone or email. They are available to help you understand rejection letters, process credit card processing, and enroll. More than 75,000 customers have been helped by the vendor's representatives.
Features
Patient Information form: Patients can upload their demographic information and make changes to specific fields via the patient portal. The collected data can be converted into charts for easy access.
Patient Scheduling Allows clinicians to schedule sessions, events, and intakes in just a few clicks. To avoid scheduling sessions outside of normal hours, you can create work schedules. To simplify workflows, automatically add tasks to your list.
Calendar: Filter Calendar view by clients, clinicians or locations. To help you plan strategically, you can view your daily and weekly agendas. To access remote data, integrate with iCal and Google Calendar.
Limitations
It does not integrate with Wiley Practice Planner.
Does not support on-premise deployment.
Absence of mobile apps
Athena EMR
Athena EMR can be used for both solo and group practices. It can handle tasks such as scheduling, patient rooming and reporting. The client portal allows you to send in intake forms. Patients can then review, sign, and make digital payments. Patients can view available slots and make appointment requests. You can conduct sessions remotely with the telehealth function.
Telemedicine allows clinicians and patients to have face-to-face conferences, securely transmit still images and high-resolution video conference screenshots, then save them to patient files.
Benefits
Provide Patient-Centered Healthcare: Clients can check availability and make appointments online through an online booking widget. Clients can submit consent forms and intake via the patient portal.
Stay Mobile: This solution is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. It allows you to access data from anywhere, at any time. From the comfort and convenience of your home, you can manage your schedules and generate exact bills.
Reminders can be sent to clients via text, voice, or email. With just a few clicks, patients can cancel or reschedule appointments.
Benefits
Provide Patient-Centered Healthcare: Clients can check availability and make appointments online through an online booking widget. Clients can submit consent forms and intake via the patient portal.
Stay Mobile: This solution is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. It allows you to access data from anywhere, at any time. From the comfort and convenience of your home, you can manage schedules or generate exact bills.
Reminders can be sent to clients via text, voice, or email. With just a few clicks, patients can cancel or reschedule appointments.
Features
Client Portal Allows patients to electronically submit their intake forms, demographic information, and make credit payment payments. Patients can upload important documents, such as paperwork, insurance cards, and referrals, in PDF, CSV and PNG formats. Patients can be sent statements, invoices and superbills at any time. You can also send secure texts to patients via the HIPAA-compliant messaging channel.
Calendar: Filter view for clinicians, locations and days, weeks, or months. Integrate Outlook Calendar, Google Calendar and iCal to organize client appointments better
Limitations
It does not offer integrated e-prescribing capabilities.
Telehealth group sessions are not supported.
There is no on-demand telephone support available.
DrChrono
DrChrono EHR provides modules like e-prescribing and scheduling. This helps medical professionals streamline their work processes. The online marketplace allows developers to download the necessary solutions for health care apps. It integrates with Box, a cloud storage system that conforms to HIPAA regulations. This allows you to generate accurate bills. The free draw function allows you to add notes to patient charts or x-rays.
Access information is available from any device with internet access. Its document management tool allows users to create, edit, and populate consent forms. Staff and patient signatures can also electronically be captured.
Benefits
Automated reminders: Notify patients via text or email about upcoming appointments. Clients can confirm appointments by email or phone.
Remote Access: View information through your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. You can use the app to manage your e-prescribing as well as scheduling, documenting, and billing functions.
Prescription errors can be reduced: To avoid any handwriting issues, you can electronically prescribe medication. To determine the correct dosage of medication, use the dosage calculator. To view historical prescription records, log in to the Superscripts network.
Features
Schedule Management Clients can check availability and schedule appointments via an iPhone, iPad, or web browser. To quickly create patient profiles, auto-populate billing codes, reasons to visit and consent forms.
Client Portal Allow patients to access laboratory results, educational materials, and their health information records. Apple Health Kit allows clients to view their prescriptions and vitals in real-time.
Client Check-In App: This app allows clients to self-check-in to cut down on waiting times. Patients can sign-in using their name, date of birth, and this automatically populates insurance and medical details on charts.
Limitations
Does not support on-premise deployment.
It does not integrate with Wiley Practice Planners.
Incompatible with Android devices
CounSol
CounSol.com, like most behavioral health EHRs, is equipped with features and tools to handle behavioral health workflows. It allows doctors to remotely review patient records and make notes.
The patient portal makes it easy for clients and health organizations to communicate with each other. Patients can access their medical information online, get updates and communicate with their doctors in real-time.
Benefits
Customize forms: Allow clients to fill out intake forms, policy agreements, and practice terms online. To collect patient data, you can edit questions and add text fields or checkboxes.
Synchronize Calendars: Integrate the app's calendar with your device to ensure you don't miss important updates.
Hold Group Sessions Multiple participants can be scheduled at once. To schedule appointments, you can set the duration, time, place, and size of your group. Patients can view and register online for group meetings via the client portal.
Send Birthday Notifications to Clients: Keep track and create custom birthday messages for clients via email.
Features
Patient Portal This portal allows patients to view their emails, schedule appointments, pay bills, and keep a private journal. Clients can also participate in video chat and online meetings.
Invoicing and Billing: Remind patients that they can send payments by email. Administrators can track transactions and get alerts about pending invoicing.
Patient Treatment Plan: Customizable Templates allow you to create accurate treatment plans, such as diagnosis descriptions and interventions.
Scheduling & Calendar: To view the available slots, you can filter your calendar by day, hour and week. Patients can schedule video, phone, chat, or office appointments. Integrate with iCal for desktop, tablet, and smartphone calendar sync.
Limitations
It does not offer a mobile app that is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Absence of e–prescribing functionality
Make Your Decision
There are many choices available, so choosing the right EMR for your behavioral healthcare treatment can seem daunting. Although we cannot tell you which behavioral health software is best for you, this list should give you some idea of the capabilities of these systems.
We can't stress enough that you must adhere to your EMR/EHR requirements to help guide your choice of behavioral health EHR vendors. It's important to prepare. If your organization understands what it needs to support clinicians effectively, you will be much more likely to make the best choice among the many behavioral healthcare EMRs available. Each organization is unique and has its own workflow, clinical style, and administrative challenges. Your investment will be successful if you carefully screen the top behavioral healthcare companies in your area.
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