What is Behavioral Health EHR Software?

Before you start shopping for a behavioral health EHR software, it’s important to understand what it is and how it can help your agency. An EHR, or electronic health record, is an electronic version of a client’s health & medical history maintained by the provider over time. Think of it like an electronic version of a paper chart. Well-designed EHRs also streamline practice management, automate billing, and capture powerful data that can inform treatment and agency decisions.

A robust EHR software system provides tools that empower behavioral health and mental health professionals to provide the best client care possible.

Studies have shown that the important client data found within EHRs positively contributes to public health outcomes. A HealthIT.gov report found that:

How Will EHR Technology Impact Your Behavioral Health Agency?

It can often seem like there's not enough time in the day. Researching, buying, and training your staff to add EHR technology into the mix can seem overwhelming. Honestly, not many people want to spend their limited time learning new software.

However, it’s important not to focus on the short-term challenges you and your agency will face when implementing new software. When you consider how much smoother your work processes will run once you have the right EHR technology in place, you'll know it's work it! A properly implemented behavioral health EHR software will revolutionize your administrative and documentation tasks, and give you back the gift of time to spend with your clients.

Here are some of the impacts of good EHR software:

• Your agency and clinicians have instant information at their fingertips

• Clinicians can easily write notes on client activities and progress

• Track client outcomes at individual, and agency, levels

• Improve billing efficiency and clean claims, with faster reimbursements

• Make data-driven decisions about employees, clients, and your organization

Which Technology Features Are Included in the Best EHR Software?

All behavioral health EHR software platforms are different, so it’s important to ask a lot of questions when choosing a software to make sure it has the features you need. Some common technology included in the best EHR software is:

• Compliance Checks: Reduce compliance issues and submit more clean claims with a software that makes it easy to figure out billing codes and pass audits. The best EHR software is also HIPAA compliant, and has notes and task reminders so documentation is always in compliance.

• Secure Cloud Storage for Data: When data is stored in the cloud, it can be securely accessed from any location. The best EHR software has multiple security checks to ensure that data storage and transfers meet stringent privacy standards and are HIPAA compliant. Cloud storage also means users can work from any location or device, which is extremely helpful in today's behavioral health field.

• A Telehealth Component: In the past two years telehealth has become more important than ever. A strong and secure telehealth component allows providers to provide care from anywhere, while maintaining HIPAA compliance.

• User Experience: Modern employes spend much of their time online, so it's very important that hey have a positive and pleasant user experience . A well-designed UX can also save time, because it is easier and faster for employees to learn. It’s also just nicer to look at.

• Patient Portal: Patient portals are becoming extremely important, and are a vital part of the best EHR software. A patient portal can allow clients to access records, sign documents, and schedule or cancel appointments.

• Additional Add-Ons: Most behavioral health EHR software has optional add ons that you can select based on your agency’s needs. Billing, analytics and automated forms add-ons can save time and help your agency run more efficiently.

When is the Best Time to Implement a Behavioral Health EHR Software?

Implementing an EHR requires some heavy lift- there's no doubt about it! However, it is still better to do it sooner rather than later. While the initial learning curve of new behavioral health EHR software can seem intimidating, agencies will immediately begin to save time with more efficient documentation, clean billing claims, and other streamlined processes once the new platform is in place. Simplifying workflows, automating billing, and providing better care will make it worth the temporary discomfort of learning something new.

How Can I Evaluate the Best EHR for My Agency?

There are a lot of behavioral health EHR software platforms on the market, and it can be hard to find the right one for your agency. Fortunately, there are also plenty of resources where you can get great information and reviews before you sign on the dotted line. Some common ways agencies gather information before choosing an EHR are:

• Demos– Consider booking demos with multiple EHR software platforms so you can compare what’s out there. Look for honest salespeople who really have your agency's best interests at heart.

• Referrals– Talk to other agencies in your community about what EHR software they use. Ask the companies you’re considering to send you references from agencies who use their software. It will help to talk to agencies like yours that are using the software and know its pros and cons.

• Reviews– Read customer reviews on software sites like Capterra or Software Advice. Companies can’t delete negative reviews left on these sites, so you’ll likely get a complete picture of how customers feel.

Exym EHR Software

Your agency deserves the best EHR software on the market! If you’re looking for robust, intuitive behavioral health EHR software from a company that really cares, please consider booking a demo with Exym EHR Software. If your executive leadership or C suite decision makers would like more information about Exym, they can also take a look at our Leadership page.

Exym is a comprehensive EHR software solution designed specifically for behavioral health agencies. Trusted for 20+ years, our intuitive and customizable software empowers providers to improve client outcomes, manage revenue cycles, and increase agency efficiency. Exym allows you to spend more time on what matters most- the clients in your care.