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As a behavioral health or addiction treatment provider, you know that not all therapy approaches are created equal. Some types of therapy are more effective for certain behavioral health needs or patient populations. Individual providers may have more experience and training in some treatment approaches compared to others. Here on the BestNotes blog, we’ll be…

For behavioral health providers that use electronic health records (EHRs), interoperability is becoming increasingly important. Many behavioral health and addiction treatment patients receive care from different providers. These providers may all use different EHR systems, and yet must all access and understand the patient’s health data. Data also need to be structured and standardized to…

Anorexia nervosa, more commonly called simply anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by restricted eating that can cause low body weight, usually combined with distorted body image and a strong fear of gaining weight. Many people with anorexia don’t recognize how underweight they become, or how harmful their condition can be to their overall health.…

Choosing and adopting a new electronic health record (EHR) system is no small feat for any behavioral health or addiction treatment provider. Whether you’re choosing your first EHR or switching to a different solution, here are five questions to ask any EHR vendor you consider. 1. What is your implementation strategy? How long should implementation…

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), widely known as Obamacare, allows for expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income Americans. So far, 36 states and the District of Columbia have adopted Medicaid expansion. In other states, the debate continues in numerous forms. Here’s some of the latest news on Medicaid expansion across the nation. Kentucky Plans to Expand…

As mental health and workplace wellness get more attention from the media and the general public, loneliness is emerging as a specific concern Loneliness not only affects quality of life, but creates problems at work, even among behavioral health staff. What causes workplace loneliness? In spite of open-office plans and increased connectivity, workers are lonelier…

Electronic prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) has gained popularity in recent months as a way to better track opioid use and reduce fraud and misuse. Many states have already implemented their own EPCS mandates, but the federal government and even private companies also have gotten involved. Federal Legislation and Requirements for EPCS The U.S. Drug…

Providers, government agencies, researchers, and other stakeholders continue to seek ways to reduce the nation’s opioid epidemic. In recent months, electronic prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) has gained more attention as a potential tool. What is EPCS? Many physical and behavioral health providers participate in electronic prescribing of medications, also known as e-prescriptions or e-prescribing.…

Across the United States, many communities have limited access to quality behavioral healthcare, even as demand rises. The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) found that demand for addiction counselors alone may increase anywhere between 21 to 38 percent by 2030, creating a shortage of these professionals. As mental health awareness grows and the opioid…