Think about all the routine procedures followed when we visit a healthcare facility.
We are greeted by a receptionist, and a data gathering process is set in motion. The receptionist verifies insurance information. Then he or she might have you fill out forms that gather further information, such as questions about past medical conditions, contact information and more.
Notice that a continues throughout a clinic visit. After the receptionist, a nurse may take blood pressure readings, weigh the patient, check heart rate – it all gets entered into a data system. More information is generated as a result of the exam and then even more data may result from prescriptions written and treatments conducted.
All of it used to be handled with paper forms filled out with a pen. These paper forms were then filed in folders that were organized in drawers. Well, those days are long gone. Today all modern medical practices use health management software. They must. The amount and kind of data gathered in health care delivery today is astronomically larger than the old days of paper, pens and file folders.
But there is one sector of healthcare where even advanced software systems are still falling short of gathering critical data – in the mental health field. That includes provider who specializes in behavioral therapy.
The special requirement of mental health treatment calls for mental health practice management software that is specifically designed to handle the kind of information that primary or general care clinics don’t. For example, there are often underlying medical conditions or socioeconomic factors that affect treatment. Staff must also determine if team-based therapy is indicated based on specific points of information.
That’s why mental health practice management software geared specifically to capture key data points for mental health treatment is vital. Mental health providers would do well to look at their data software systems and update to the latest mental health practice management software.
