As lawmakers, clinicians, and community leaders work to address the challenges of prescription painkiller use, new research highlights concerning trends and persistent issues. Study Population Researchers analyzed data from all commercially insured or Medicare beneficiaries with medical and pharmacy coverage between 2007 and 2016. This included 48 million unique beneficiaries across various age groups. Concerning…
Accreditation can help behavioral health and addiction treatment providers demonstrate high industry standards and stand out in the market. Patients and loved ones seeking appropriate providers can use accreditation as a sign of quality to help them make the best decision. Not all accreditation is the same, however. Most providers have their choice of several…
Accreditation is an important way that addiction treatment and behavioral health providers can stand out in the market. Several nonprofit groups, such as CARF International, provide accreditation that holds these providers to particular standards. Providers must be prepared to put time and effort into the accreditation process. Fortunately, they can expect to receive numerous benefits…
By 2018, most providers have moved from paper charts to an electronic health record (EHR) system. In many addiction treatment and behavioral health practices, however, the transition is incomplete or remains only in the planning stages. For those behavioral health and addiction treatment facilities that have not completed the switch, here are five tips for…
Health providers have increasingly migrated from paper charts to electronic health records (EHRs), many of them encouraged by the HITECH Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law in 2009 to promote the use of health information technology. The right EHR can provide convenience, efficiency, and improved data management for a practice. Just like with…
The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) exists to promote quality and accessibility in addiction treatment, including the promotion of ethical standards. Because addiction treatment often involves vulnerable individuals and populations, the specialty is no stranger to ethical issues. Code of Ethics Marketing Updates Earlier this year, NAATP updated its code of ethics. For…
Like other states in the nation, California providers and policymakers continue to seek ways to curb the ongoing opioid crisis. Several new developments in the state hope to reduce addiction and protect patients. Medical Schools Increase Addiction Training Last year, University of California San Francisco’s School of Medicine launched a one-year fellowship in addiction medicine…
Each health specialty requires different things from its electronic health record (EHR) software. The particular needs of behavioral and mental health, including addiction treatment, require a unique approach to EHR. What should behavioral health and addiction treatment professionals look for in their EHR? Designed for Behavioral Health The first thing that behavioral health providers should…
BestNotes is happy to announce our membership to the National Association of Addiction Treatment Services. Over 23.5 million adults are in recovery from alcohol or drug addictions. NAATP has made it their mission to “provide leadership, advocacy, training and member support services to ensure the availability and highest quality of addiction treatment”. As we strive…
Amidst a nationwide rise in substance use disorders, some organizations are seeing positive results from medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Despite its effectiveness, MAT faces social stigma and remains less widely available than needed. What is Medication-Assisted Treatment? The goal of MAT is to support full recovery from addiction. This approach combines behavioral therapy and counseling with…