Interoperability and the Changing Behavioral Health Landscape

Easily accessible medical and mental health information is essential to providing effective client and patient treatment that yields lasting results. In many cases, providing optimal client care requires the electronic exchange of data with other providers or participation in a Health Information Exchange (HIE), often referred to as interoperability. Healthcare interoperability involves the secure and timely exchange of data among clinicians, labs, hospitals, pharmacies, and clients. Interoperable systems allow service providers to cross organizational boundaries in an effort to share information and enhance the quality of care delivered to patients and clients.

Currently, there is insufficient data exchange among behavioral, mental, and physical healthcare providers. In an attempt to rectify this issue, federal initiatives and legislation are being employed to encourage the development of a more affordable, equitable, and efficient healthcare landscape that utilizes reciprocal information exchange. Still, a multitude of challenges need to be addressed before behavioral healthcare providers can achieve mutually beneficial data exchange that is both real time and fully comprehensive.

This whitepaper will address:

• The history and development of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and their place in the behavioral health landscape
• The HITECH Act and Meaningful Use Incentive Program
• The challenges and benefits of interoperability and participating in a Health Information Exchange (HIE)  

Download this whitepaper to learn how interoperability will improve information access, clinical care and client wellness for both primary care and behavioral health.