EMR or electronic medical records are a relatively new way to store and share patient information. These records are stored, reviewed, and updated in a secure drive that can only be accessed by providers within the same healthcare organization. EMR for mental health providers can be especially useful. Patients who receive mental health treatment deserve privacy and excellent care. There are three ways EMR systems help physicians provide the best care for their mental health patients.
Security
Online recordkeeping has been on the rise in recent years. It is more secure than keeping only paper records since special credentials are needed to access patient information. Mental health patients deserve the same privacy that HIPPA regulates. Companies that offer EMR for mental health providers should make sure their systems meet these criteria for safety and security. Any company that provides EMR software should be checked thoroughly by providers to make sure it is secure.
Better Care Management
EMR systems allow physicians and their staff to efficiently track and review previous and ongoing patient care and treatments. This accessibility is especially important for mental health patients who may not remember how they responded to certain treatments or stop responding altogether. It is all too easy to misplace documents or forget specific details discussed with the patient. EMR alleviates this problem by keeping the patient’s full chart available within a shared online storage space.
Consistency Between Doctors
Most patients see more than one physician within their network. Some mental health patients may see different providers for different mental health needs. Having a shared EMR cloud allows other physicians to quickly compare other treatments and observations about the patient and tailor their care accordingly. This can help create a cohesive and comprehensive care team for the patient.
EMR systems have become increasingly popular in recent years. With a high-quality EMR system provider, mental health providers can focus on streamlining their record-keeping and giving the best possible care to their patients.
