The widespread adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) has been a significant focus of healthcare reform in the United States. EMRs are digital versions of paper medical charts that have been used for generations. They may include information regarding allergies, vaccination records, prescriptions, diagnoses,and medical histories.
Although the terms are used interchangeably, it is essential to note that an EMR is not the same as an Electronic Health Record (EHR). An EHR is a patient's complete medical history, while an EMR frequently includes digital iterations of session notes between a physician and their patients, such as evaluation and progress notes.The treatments they received at the clinic throughout their visits are recorded in the EMR, too. The notes in an EMR can eventually become part of the patient's EHR.
However, EHRs hold much more information than paper charts. Past medical information, vital signs, progress notes, diagnoses, prescriptions, vaccine dates, allergies, test results, and imaging reports can all be found in an EHR. It may also include other pertinent data, such as that imported from personal wellness devices,demographic information, and insurance information.
Here are some other significant differences between EHRs and EMRs:
- EHR is a simplified exchange of up-to-date, real-time information with other providers, laboratories, etc., while EMR is not intended to be distributed outside of the specific practice.
- EHR enables a patient's medical records to follow them wherever they go, while with EMR, it's difficult to transfer patient records outside the clinic.
- EHR allows access to resources that healthcare practitioners can utilize to make decisions, while EMR is mainly used for diagnosis and treatment by healthcare professionals.
Benefits of EMR in Behavioral Health
Electronic medical records have two distinct advantages: they benefit patients and clinics alike. Here are some of them for you to consider:
Data Protection.
The greatest advantage of electronic records is unquestionably increased security. The majority of behavioral health EMRs are secured systems that need different passwords for each user and typically incorporate data security components.
Accessing paper records is far simpler than breaking into an electronic system for someone who wants to commit a harmful data leak. One of the main benefits of behavioral health EMRs is that they often secure client and agency data significantly more successfully than conventional paper charts.
Conserves Space.
Storing information on charts and papers requires lots of physical space to be taken up. Their volume expands as time passes, and they need more room to store. Instead of designating a distinct location for files, you may make room in the workplace for other amenities by shifting to digitalized data storage with the help of EMRs.
Sends Alerts.
Often, patients with mental health issues are drained due to their condition and may forget to take their medicines or visit the clinic for a follow-up. Clinics can send notifications and reminders using the communication features of EMR to such patients, thus bringing them to the center of the healthcare process.
Provides Clinical Summaries.
Clinical summaries are distributed to patients, which provide information on their visits, including the treatment given, medications recommended, follow-updates, and other information. Patients can retain knowledge, remember details they would have forgotten, and better comprehend what is happening by reading these summaries whenever needed. They can also ask any queries they might have.
Improved Patient Care.
Behavioral health EMRs may significantly lower medical errors. Although there are typically fewer pharmaceuticals used in mental health treatment, psychiatric medications can be potent and must be monitored for efficacy, intensity, andpotential interactions.
Through the patient interface, a solid behavioral health EMR may include daily client status reports, detailed graphs of prescription efficacy, and automatic precautions against drug interactions. These kinds of measures protect both the patient and the therapist.
Additionally, you may use the system to prescribe for your patient, make an order for them,and check to see whether they've already received the same medication from another doctor. Furthermore, you may quickly review the patient's history at the press of a button and learn more about their medical background and allergies. The availability of such information enables the staff and the doctor to provide the patient with comprehensive, individualized, and effective treatment. In fact, EMRs have measures in place to stop potentially conflicting treatments the patient may be receiving.
Financial advantages.
Implementing electronic medical records in your business is an excellent approach to reducing overall costs. Choosing EMR systems can result in a profitable return on your financial investment. Several employees are frequently retained on staff for tasks like filing or transcription. The expense of labor may lower revenue. Most filing activities can be eliminated by EMR software or, at the very least, reduced to the point where staff hours may be cut. The technology transcribes specified notes or notations made by the doctor during a patient visit, preventing the requirement for a staff transcriptionist and lowering transcription costs. Moreover, the sped-up and effectively recorded and reported billing services, improved radiologic diagnoses, and reduced billing mistakes contribute to lesser charges.
Enhanced Efficiency
Efficiency gains are frequently a key advantage of behavioral health electronic medical records. Think about how much simpler it is to handle charts, notes, and other facility documents typed in a standard format as opposed to handwritten without conventions or structure.
Practice management systems may significantly lower duplicate entries since they combine different organizational components. This removal of redundant data cansubstantially improve workplace productivity.
So, the next session can be scheduled; the client can print a statement of their current amount owing, you can get notifications for any renewals that are required, and you can let the billing team know that you've received payment from the customer for these visits on this date all in one go.
