In behavioral healthcare, patient records are critical to providing direct clinical services to patients in behavioral healthcare. Allowing behavioral healthcare providers access to important parts of a medical record helps these providers to make informed clinical decisions. Software systems that house these records are an important part of providing quality behavioral healthcare.
What is a Behavioral Health EHR?
A behavioral health electronic health record, or EHR, is a software system that stores patient medical information in a digital format. Clinicians use the information in the EHR to make decisions about patient treatment. This information often includes treatment plans, progress notes, and patient histories. Medications, allergies, and laboratory test results are also often a part of this record. The EHR serves as a medical chart, documenting the course of treatment.
Ways EHR Improves Behavioral Health Services
Using behavioral health EHR software offers care providers accurate information in a digital format. This reduces medical errors related to handwritten medical notes, medications, and allergies. Additionally, accessing digitized medical records is faster than using paper files. It reduces the need for requesting information about patient histories from other providers.
Because the clinical data in an EHR is accessible, behavioral healthcare providers are better able to respond to patients. Doctors, nurses, and therapists review and update medications and diagnosis codes. Access to this complete medical information allows for better informed clinical decisions about treatment.
Improve Behavioral Health Care Outcomes
For information on how to improve behavioral healthcare patient outcomes, contact the behavioral healthcare software system experts at Sitename.