As a behavioral health professional, the software you use on a daily basis should make your work easier, not give you a headache. But if you’re used to making elaborate workarounds to compensate for bad software design, it can be tricky to define what your actual needs are. Here are three things to look for when making decisions about software as a behavioral health professional.
Synchronized communication between modules
The IT needs of behavioral health treatment centers vary depending on the organization, but at the very least you need Electronic Health Records (EHR) software, Customer Relations Management (CRM) software, and behavioral health billing software. These modules must be able to seamlessly communicate, and users must be able to switch between modules without confusion or struggle. This synchronization is so important that you may want to look into one software provider that integrates all your needs into one system.
Efficient data sharing
Many patients seeking treatment for behavioral health problems also require additional services outside your facility. Therefore, look for an EHR that smoothly facilitates connected healthcare and data sharing between different venues, like hospitals, pharmacies, and others. According to Medical Practice Insider, the ideal EHR must be able to export data as well as accurately and efficiently incorporating external data into your organization’s patient record.
Streamlined billing
Both your patients and your staff want billing to be taken care of as efficiently as possible to free up staff time and energy for patient care. Look for behavioral health billing software that simplifies revenue cycles, eliminates the risk of under-billing and minimizes staff confusion over claim management and patient payments.
A comprehensive needs assessment of your organization can help you optimize your behavioral health software for the future. If you invest in technology that’s suited to your professional needs, the benefits will be passed on not only to your staff, but to your patients’ treatment as well.
