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Increased electronic health record (EHR) use among behavioral health providers may encourage the integration of physical and behavioral health, suggests a report issued in January by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC). BPC, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, seeks to create policy solutions to some of the country’s more significant challenges, including those affecting the healthcare…

Behavioral health and addiction treatment providers have not adapted to value-based payment (VBP) models as rapidly as other specialties. One major reason is because value-based care focuses on patient outcomes, which are difficult to define and measure in behavioral health. However, as regulators and payers emphasize VBP, behavioral health providers eventually will be expected to…

If you’ve seen the term “interoperability” used in the healthcare space, you may wonder what it has to do with your behavioral health practice. What is Interoperability? In healthcare information technology (IT), “interoperability” is when different systems, software, or devices can communicate and share information. This lets providers exchange data easily, potentially improving care. Interoperability…

Value-based payment (VBP) models are a break from the volume-based, fee-for-service models that have long been the norm in U.S. healthcare. Under VBP, healthcare purchasers and payers hold providers accountable for healthcare quality and costs. Many states and organizations are testing VBP models that could be applied to behavioral health, but have not yet chosen…

Workplace wellness programs have gotten a lot of attention in recent years. Research shows healthier, happier employees can improve productivity and lower costs. Most workplace wellness programs, however, tend to focus exclusively on physical health. In fact, behavioral health factors can have just as much of an impact on employee and workplace health. Here’s how…

Value-based care has gained traction in recent years, and it is expected to be a significant trend in the global healthcare market in 2019. Compared to other specialties, behavioral health has been slow to adopt a value-based payment (VBP) model. As mental and behavioral health draws more attention and addiction-treatment needs persist, providers must prepare…

Many people use the terms electronic medical record (EMR), electronic health record (EHR), and personal health record (PHR) interchangeably. This can confuse patients, consumers, and even regulators. Although an EMR, an EHR, and a PHR are very similar in practice, there are some differences in how the terms are used. Similarities Among EMR, EHR, and…

From medication-assisted treatment (MAT) availability to opioid alternatives, there have been numerous recent stories and studies involving substance abuse and addiction treatment in Idaho. Here’s are the stories making headlines in the state in recent weeks. Idaho Medical School Emphasizes Opioid Alternatives Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine in Meridian, the state’s first medical school, is…

Behavioral health and addiction treatment providers face many complexities. Clients often present with a variety of concurrent conditions. Treatment plans may involve multiple providers recommending various long-term solutions. This can also make documentation and billing more complex for behavioral health and addiction treatment. Additional complications come from the use of multiple documentation codes. This primarily…