Thursday 9 August 2012

Unique Content Article on electronic medical records,EHR,EMR,software,computers,technology,mental health,psychiatry,health

Mental Health Progress Notes in 2 Minutes With Web Based EHR Software


by Phoebe Westerveldt


Running a mental health practice involves many processes and usually takes several people working together. Tasks like creating mental health progress notes can be time consuming. When you take advantage of electronic medical records or EHR software systems, the time you save can be spent on treating more patients. This translates into greater efficiency and a more profitable business. When you add the convenience of online access, these programs can make a big difference in the way you run your practice.

Documenting patient encounters consumes valuable resources and time. If these notes are done manually, you have to rewrite or retype a lot of information from previous sessions which can take hours. With the right EHR software, you only need to open a new note and click a few buttons to thoroughly document your patient's progress. Relevant information from the previous note is automatically pulled forward onto the new progress note. You no longer have to type or dictate lengthy and detailed notes as the software does this for you.

Often, initial evaluation processes can be extensive. You may need several kinds of plans for mental health care, which may include intense therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment. You also have to ensure that your documentation supports the CPT or E&M code that you use for billing to protect yourself from an audit. It is not difficult to document these patient encounters with the right EHR software. In fact, the application does most of the work for you.

Quality EHR programs remove a lot of the difficulties associated with managing patient encounters. The software can easily keep track of appointments and any of your scheduling needs. Electronic prescribing removes the need for writing out prescriptions. This makes the clinician's job easier and eliminates legibility issues. It also shortens the time that a patient may have to wait for a prescription at the local pharmacy.

When you opt for good EHR software services you have the ability to quickly create detailed and personalized narrative charts for your patients. Whenever you need to create a progress note or treatment plan, it only takes a few mouse clicks. No typing or expensive dictating should be required. Your billing processes will also be automated as you can easily accept credit card payments and submit claims.

Not all EHR software services are the same and it is important to find one that has top quality support. You should choose a service that provides support as part of their monthly payment plan, and it should not cost extra. It is important to talk to someone on the phone in real time when you need them. It is also a good idea to choose a product that comes with a free trial. This allows you to decide if it is right for you or not.

Security is an important consideration when you select an EHR program. Your system should meet all HIPAA security standards. Make sure that your program has secure user authentication and password protection along with sophisticated data encryption methods. Also be certain to choose an application that allows you to control access by assigning different privileges to individual users when needed. The solution you choose should also be ONC-ATCB certified so that you may attest to meaningful use and collect federal incentives if you are eligible.

When shopping for internet-based software for mental health progress notes, choose a solution that allows you to manage your entire practice and that is specialized for mental health. You should not have to make an annual commitment as many good programs allow you to cancel with as little as 15 days notice. When you select the best software for your needs, you and your staff will be able to focus more time on patient care.




About the Author:





You are receiving this because you signed up for it on 2011-10-03 from IP 203.109.66.181


To fine-tune your selection of which articles to receive, just login here
using your username:


To unsubscribe please use the following link:

Unsubscribe



No comments:

Post a Comment