Psychiatry Specific EMR's
Started by 9point75
That's a good question. There are so many options out there (ie. documentation, billing, labs, e-rx's, scheduling). In general, EMR's are very expensive due to the software engineering, customer support, and specific safe guards to protect PHI ie. secured servers, encryption and compliance with HIPAA and the HITECH act. I'm sure with your current setup (4 psychiatrists 5-8 therapists) it could streamline your practice and lower your long term overhead costs. As for a sole practitioner, I am not entirely sure if the costs of an EMR can be justified at this time. If you are not technically oriented, it may be challenging to setup and institute into practice.😱
Our hospital uses Allscripts. According to their website, they offer solutions for smaller group practices (3 physicians). I couldn't see any prices listed, so you may have to contact them. Check it out http://www.allscripts.com/
http://www.practicefusion.com/pages/psychiatry-mental-health.html
I've used it, and its a pretty solid system. Its web-based, so you don't have to worry about setting up servers or additional hardware. Most of it is free, although I believe you have to pay for the billing software, and maybe for a service to convert your paper charts to electronic. The system is much more intuitive than most hospital-based EMRs I've used (Eclypsis, Cerner, etc.)
Edit: I should add that by signing up, I believe you give PracticeFusion the rights to mine your patient registry for data (which they can then sell), although privacy is guaranteed.
Boy, that'd be a deal killer...
