Behavioral health is a trending topic in the US, where a significant proportion of the population struggles with mental health issues and substance use. The taboo persists, keeping people from seeking medical attention. Fortunately, help is available and accessible as numerous clinics offer treatment across the country.
As of 2022, the US has 15,618 mental health and substance use clinics, an increase of 7.1% from 2021. From a business perspective, there is still a lot of room because the demand is high, considering that 19.86% of adults live with a mental illness. The prevalence of substance use is also high. If you plan to enter the industry or are already there, expect the patient numbers to surge.
Building a sustainable healthcare practice is about delivering a top-notch patient experience. It matters even more in the behavioral health segment because patients expect compassion and privacy along with regular care. You can rely on technology to gain an extra edge and establish your reputation as a provider.
We will share a few tech tips to take your clinic’s patient care experience to the next level.
Simplify Patient Journey with Appointment Scheduling Software
Behavioral health patients deal with stress and stigma, often leading to an erratic treatment journey. The struggle of appointment bookings makes the experience even more challenging. You can ease their journey by providing an appointment scheduling platform. A few clicks is enough to schedule and manage their appointments.
According to Zippia statistics, 67% of patients prefer booking appointments online. Also, 60% of healthcare professionals believe these platforms encourage patients to keep appointments. Look for a software solution with an appointment reminder feature as it lets you nudge the patients after the initial booking. The system can give your clinic a head start with a smooth patient journey.
Remove Physical Barriers with Telehealth Services
A recent study shows that the use of mental health services increased by 40% in American adults with commercial insurance from 2019 to 2022. Despite the growing awareness about mental health and substance use treatment, social stigma persists. Many miss out on getting help because they are hesitant about visiting a clinic in person.
Clinics can do their bit by providing telehealth services to make mental health care more accessible. Virtual consultations enable patients to connect with their therapists from the comfort and privacy of their homes. The best part is that it eliminates geographical barriers and promotes consistent engagement. Integrating telehealth also accommodates busy schedules and prevents high foot traffic.
Streamline Medical Billing with Automation
Billing is one of the trickiest parts of running a healthcare practice. It keeps your staff occupied and stressed, affecting their focus on patient care. Further, the ever-changing federal and state rules complicate the process. It even leads to errors in billed claims, affecting revenues and reimbursement. Automating the process with behavioral health billing software is the best solution.
Millin Associates notes that implementing the right solution enables clinics to stay ahead of billing rules and regulations and avoid recoupment of payments and penalties down the road. Being less anxious about the numbers means you can concentrate on delivering high-quality care to your patients. Better care translates into a strong reputation in the long run.
Enhance Administration with Electronic Health Records
CDC statistics highlight that nearly 89.9% of office-based physicians in the US use an electronic health record (EHR) system. The technology is no longer only for large hospitals and healthcare organizations with thousands of patients. Transitioning to an EHR system can streamline administrative tasks, once again improving the focus on patient care.
Additionally, it facilitates secure storage of patient information, enhancing confidentiality, reducing paperwork, and limiting errors. Practitioners can easily retrieve data when to check records during the treatment cycle. EHR systems also foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, leading to a cohesive approach to patient care.
Personalize Patient Treatment with Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, with AI in the healthcare market in North America touching a whopping $6.8 billion in 2022. The behavioral healthcare vertical is no exception to this emerging tech trend. You can harness the power of AI to personalize treatment plans based on individual data and progress.
By analyzing patterns in patient responses, AI algorithms help therapists tailor interventions to unique needs. This technology can also assist in predicting potential challenges during treatment, allowing for proactive adjustments to clinical strategies. Further, integrating AI into the therapeutic process makes treatment more dynamic and responsive.
In conclusion, technology can be a key differentiator when it comes to patient care in behavioral health settings. Integrating these technologies into your services can give your clinic a winning advantage with top-quality patient care and better outcomes in the long haul.
