While new technology or procedure changes in the workplace can be intimidating, switching from paper records to electronic health records is essential in today's behavioral health market. Many clinicians resist change, even if it promises to make the day-to-day feel easier. Many people think, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” when asked to update their charting procedures. But if time is wasted trying to decipher handwriting or figuring out which antiquated symbol to click to view the most recent treatment plan, then an EMR will definitely simplify the process and increase efficiency.

With the right software system, one that is intuitive and handles tasks seamlessly, productivity improves and clinicians discover that they have more time to do what matters most--caring for those they serve.

In the behavioral health space, there are a few competing software programs. It is important to make sure that the time and effort spent adopting a new system is worthwhile. When looking for the EMR that best fits your addiction recovery facility, pay attention to how the system will help you achieve your clinic's goals and what kind of support is in place to see the implementation through.

What is EMR software?

EMR is Electronic Medical Records, sometimes referred to as EHR or Electronic Health Records. It is a major decision to choose what EMR to use and there are many factors to consider: cost, functionality, training, support, and compliance. The short-term time commitment cost of learning a new system is significantly outweighed by the benefits experienced by counselors able to document and track their clients' history more easily and efficiently.

Choose a system that helps to track patient progress and challenges, and updates other team members on patient engagement, seamlessly. Consider the following criteria to determine if the addiction treatment EMR software is right for your facility:

Is it customizable?

It is important to use software that is designed specifically for your industry. Behavioral health treatment centers need an EMR that is secure, makes documentation easy and helps with reporting and compliance. With a task-based system, the clinician is less likely to skip an essential step in the record-keeping process.

Is it collaborative?

Adopting a new EMR is generally done with the purpose of streamlining processes that are already present. Letting staff know that this is intended to be less work and save time is imperative. Giving the people who work with the system the most a say in what they need from an EMR can also allow this to feel like a collective decision. When a system is secure and cloud-based, information can be shared easily. Telehealth features facilitate communication and should be a requirement.

Is it easy to use?

Upgrading to a user-friendly EMR can take some of the paperwork burdens off of therapists. Clinicians who spend exorbitant amounts of time documenting or fighting with old systems are more likely to feel stressed at work. The longer this continues, the more likely it is that clinicians will burn out.  Here are some ways that an EMR can alleviate this struggle and help therapists do more of what they love to do.

• Spend Less Time Charting - Being able to type notes quickly and have a system that flows smoothly just saves time. A thoughtful setup simplifies processes.
• Find Information Easily - When you need to dig around an old system or binder, it can take forever to find a specific record. With a system built to organize client information logically, counselors spend more time reading the actual data instead of clicking around.   
• Keep Track of Progress- Do screening assessments electronically and see how scores change over time. It makes treatment planning and assessing progress and goals so much easier to understand. 

EMR Made for Therapists by Therapists

As a clinician, your needs are a priority. When time is wasted on an incompatible EMR, paper charts, or separate excel sheets to track client information, then there is a risk of burnout, the quality of treatment suffers, and a clinic's ability to meet its goals is at risk.

When an EMR is designed specifically for therapists and not just as an afterthought or an add-on option, our needs are truly addressed. An EMR platform that offers everything in one place makes the most sense. 

Alleva's mission is to bring technology to therapists that actually improve their quality of work and takes the stress out of the work. Alleva works to make a system that is intuitive to your personal needs. If you are interested in a hassle-free demo or to learn more, reach out today.