The pros and cons of EHR systems | Headway

Pros

Adopting an EHR system can come with many benefits. Below, learn more about some of the ways an EHR can support your practice.

Improved patient care

EHRs make it simple to track and monitor client progress so you can be sure your treatment plan is aligned with current goals. EHRs also allow clients to access their own records and care-tracking tools, which can ensure they feel informed and empowered in their mental health journey.

Streamlined efficiency

A good EHR system should also make your practice more efficient by eliminating repetitive tasks and automating workflows. For example, with electronic records, you don’t have to parse through paper records to find important information about a client. Saving time can improve your productivity, so you can spend more time supporting your clients.

Billing and coding integration

Without the right tools in place, managing billing and coding can take a lot of time. The right EHR will save you time on generating invoices and tracking payments, so you can focus on your clinical work (and ensure you get paid in a timely manner).

Better communication

Communication, whether collaborating with other providers or communicating directly with your client, is a critical component of mental health care. EHRs provide a platform for more effective collaboration between office staff, clients, and providers.

Reduced risk of errors

Reducing errors can save you valuable time (and potentially money) in your practice. EHRs typically include templates and standardized forms, which can prevent errors and ensure consistency in client information, from assessments to progress notes. Many also include features that provide evidence-based information for diagnoses and treatment plans.

Efficient data management

With EHRs, client records are instantly accessible and securely stored, which reduces time spent (and headaches accrued) with manual record-keeping. EHRs also make it simple to securely send information to other providers, which can help streamline client care.

Strong security

The best EHR systems, particularly those with regulatory certifications like HITRUST, come with robust security measures and safeguard client info — all ensuring compliance with approved privacy regulations.

Interoperability

The ability to share info among different healthcare entities can support the best possible care for your clients. An EHR system can be a helpful tool for making client decisions, scheduling your clients with another mental health professional, or communicating with your clients’ primary care providers.

Cons

While EHRs can add many benefits to your clinical practice, integrating an EHR can also introduce a few hurdles. Anticipating these potential challenges can help you be strategic in your decision-making and implementation process.

Setup and maintenance costs

Initial EHR setup and maintenance can be a significant financial investment — especially for small practices or solo practices, which may not have a big budget for software. Plus, transferring from an existing EHR to a new one can be time-consuming.

Implementation training obstacles

Using new software can come with a learning curve for staff. You may also encounter frustrating potential technical issues in the implementation process.

Compatibility obstacles

Not all EHRs are compatible with all devices or software, which can cause workflow gaps in your practice. In some cases, you may also need to invest in new hardware, including computers or tablets.

Limited accessibility

Depending on the EHR system you choose, yours may not be universally accessible to all healthcare providers, whether outside prescribers or your clients’ primary care doctors. This could potentially impact opportunities for collaboration with other providers and, down the road, care quality.

Security and privacy concerns

Client confidentiality should be a top priority in any practice. Even with strong protections in place, it’s hard to find a 100% risk-free system. If possible, choose an EHR with a regulatory certification, such as HITRUST.

Complicated user interface

Not all EHRs are created equal: Some system interface designs are less intuitive than others, which can make them difficult to navigate for both providers and clients.

Record transferring

EHRs can make it challenging to accurately transfer all relevant client information and data from one platform to a new one. This process can also be time-consuming, which can potentially impact the quality of care you can provide.

How to choose the EHR right system for you

Deciding on an EHR system is more than just weighing the main pros and cons — it’s about finding the holy grail for your unique practice. Consider the following questions as you explore EHR options:

What day-to-day features are a must?
How much time and sources can you dedicate to training and implementing?
Is the user interface ideal for both clients and clients
Can it grow alongside your practice?
Does the system prioritize data encryption and security?

Use Headway’s built-in EHR features.

EHRs can be a great investment for any mental health practice, ideally streamlining the care you provide. But introducing a new software can come with frustrating challenges, which is why it’s so important to choose your EHR wisely.

Along with making billing easier, Headway offers built-in EHR features that simplify administrative tasks like intakes, notes, treatment plans. Learn more about all Headway has to offer here.

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