5 Things To Consider in an EHR System
In the workplace, using multiple systems or relying on paper filing systems and charts can slow you down. Every behavioral health practice should look into getting an EHR system to avoid inefficiencies. Offering more than a digital version of your patients' paper charts, an EHR helps you maximize your workflow to get more done.
Every EHR system is different, which is why it is critical to choose your system carefully. You'll want to select a system designed for behavioral health with customization options, versatile features, and an integrated eRX to get started. You should also look for a system with dictation options as well as an intuitive interface.
Customization Options
An ideal EHR system will work for everyone in your practice. It's a good idea to choose an EHR system that allows customization. For example, some systems let you choose how many levels of documentation you need.
You should also be able to choose the features you want on your dashboard. Keep your most-used features front and center while setting the less-used ones to the side. This capability will make your workflow smoother and more intuitive.
A customizable EHR system can help minimize redundancies so you don't have to retype inputs or click through page after page to find the information you need.
Versatile Features
The next thing to identify in a quality EHR solution is its versatility. Because your patients are not the same and will not have all the same needs, it is important to follow a multi-specialty care model. From psychotherapy to psychiatry, you can manage everything within your behavioral health practice all in one place with the right EHR.
eRX
Better known as e-prescribing, eRX lets you electronically transmit drug prescriptions to the pharmacy through EHR technology. Of course, you could use an electronic prescribing suite, but why would you when you could simplify your practice by managing everything from one system?
Reasons to use eRX include more efficient prescribing, safer prescribing due to clearer prescriptions, and a lower risk of medication errors. Electronic prescribing is available to all eligible physicians through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Dictation Options
Dictation gives you the option to speak your notes, and you can do that in less time than you could if you were typing — a time-saver for a busy office. Find out if the EHR system allows dictation across devices or only on specific devices like tablets or desktop computers. Dictation across devices allows you to continue dictating no matter which device you log in on, while dictation that is restricted to a desktop, for example, requires you to access the dictation program on the main system.
Intuitive Interfacing
Finally, the most important thing to consider in an EHR system is intuitive interfacing. Intuitive interfacing offers a simple layout and design. Think about it in terms of your smartphone home screen: it's easy to navigate and locate apps and open them. A user-friendly system describes an ideal EHR.
Look for EHR systems with:
- Intuitive, quick navigation interfaces for easy onboarding and training purposes
- A Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) dashboard to track data that will help you qualify for incentives through Medicare
- Patient flagging, which informs providers about potentially violent or aggressive patients
- "Quick info" widgets to help you learn to use the EHR quickly or get the information you need in less time
Having a dashboard you can understand means you and your practice can take off running immediately after the system installation.
Choose ChartPath for Your EHR Needs
ChartPath offers a modern solution for everyday behavioral health practices. Our intuitive EHR's automatic functions — including auto-save and auto-send — keep your workflow moving. Access your charts anytime via the internet. If you need help with MIPS benchmarks, relative value units tracking, reporting, or billing, ChartPath may be the right choice for you. Contact us today or schedule your demo to get started.
