Little Rock, Arkansas – August 2022 The benefits of health information exchange (HIE) and electronic health records (EHR) are often seen in terms of coordinating care between primary care physicians and medical subspecialists, such as cardiologists, urologists, and orthopedists. Behavioral health is just as important as these other specialties but is often considered a separate entity outside of the scope of the primary care physician’s responsibility.
Mental health patients with serious illnesses are often poorly served by the established healthcare system, even with new technologies in use.
One of the solutions for improved mental health treatment is integrated care. Local initiatives, such as the SHARE HIE and AR Nextstep Counseling Services, are now integrated sharing data with their PIMSY EMR to simplify access to behavioral healthcare for vulnerable patients.
SHARE HIE is a vital component for making the medical home a reality. When providers – including behavioral health care practitioners – can share records electronically, a complete picture of the patient’s health status is presented to all physicians involved. With the SHARE HIE network in place, treatment plan, medications, and conditions and diagnoses that might affect the patient’s state of mind and overall health are accessible to everyone on the continuum of care, eliminating the need to fill in gaps through guessing and decreasing the risk of repeated procedures or misinformation, thereby reducing costs.
“Mental health patients often present unique challenges for primary care physicians and behavioral health specialists alike. By coordinating and combining knowledge through SHARE HIE and integrated care, providers can give these patients the best possible attention, enabling appropriate treatment and recovery, as well as improving their overall quality of life.”
About AR Nextstep Counseling Services
Their experience enables them to offer the most effective outpatient care. They treat several mental health conditions and provide a healing environment to individuals, families, and couples.
Their promise is to be there for you every step of your journey. Their goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to the healthy next steps in your life.
Their therapy includes Individual and Family Therapy, Medication Management, Trauma & PTSD, Depression and Anxiety, Relationship Counseling. With locations in Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Paragould their focus is to help individuals and families heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan.
Learn more: arnextstep.com
