If you’re about to start your private practice, you might be thinking, “Do I even need an EHR?” 

EHRs have revolutionized how therapists run their practices, streamlining time-consuming activities like manual scheduling and billing, improving workflows and patient happiness. In the past, therapists had limited options of EHRs purpose-built for their profession, however that is no longer the case. As you embark on your search for the perfect EHR, it's essential to consider your practice's needs, available features, security measures, and scalability for future growth.

EHR Features to look for in a therapist EHR

When you’re deciding what features you’d like for your EHR to have, first consider the needs of your business. 

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Is this a solo or group practice? 

Will you accept insurance or only self-pay? 

Will you offer virtual sessions? 

Are there additional tools you want to incorporate? 

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Depending on the answers to these questions (and more), you can create a checklist of must-haves and nice-to-haves to keep handy as you compare therapist EHRs. This list might look something like this:

• Appointment scheduling system: for solo or group practices, multiple time zones, multiple providers)

• Secure messaging: with patients and/or fellow practice members

• Telehealth capabilities: video and text integrations 

• Split-screen charting: chart in real-time during a telehealth session

• Programs: creating courses for patients to provide more value and increase patient adherence

• Mobile app: promote accessibility

• Workflow automation: streamline cumbersome tasks like onboarding and appointment reminders

• Reporting & analytics: stay business savvy with customizable reports about your practice performance

Once you’ve established your needs and features that would benefit your practice, you’re ready to start comparing EHRs. 

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Benefits of having mobile-friendly EHR for therapists

You’ve probably become accustomed to completing some tasks on-the-go, and a mobile-friendly EHR can support you when you’re not in the office. Mobile-friendly EHRs enable practitioners to stay connected with their clients and manage their practice, enhancing flexibility and productivity. Checking app store reviews can be insightful when deciding between EHRs for your practice. 

Healthie's mobile app empowers therapists to schedule appointments, chart progress notes, communicate securely with clients, and conduct telehealth sessions from their smartphone or tablet. This level of accessibility not only fosters convenience for therapists but also strengthens the therapeutic relationship by facilitating timely communication and engagement with clients.

Client confidentiality & privacy for therapist EHR 

Maintaining client confidentiality and privacy is paramount in therapy practice. The choice of an EHR system can significantly impact the security of sensitive patient information. Therapists must opt for a HIPAA-compliant EHR that employs robust encryption protocols and stringent security measures to safeguard client data. Some specific security measures you might consider looking for in your EHR are end-to-end encryption, secure data storage, role-based access controls, and regular security audits. 

In addition, leveraging a modern EHR means that you never need to give out your personal information. Maintaining all communication (chat/text, video sessions, phone sessions, etc.) all through the EHR and client engagement platform keeps your personal information personal.

Healthie: the best EHR for therapists

Among the EHR available to therapists, Healthie is a top choice for therapists seeking a comprehensive and user-friendly solution. With its robust feature set, mobile accessibility, and commitment to security, Healthie empowers therapists to focus on what they do best – providing quality care to their clients.

Whether you're a solo practitioner or managing a thriving private practice, Healthie offers the scalability and flexibility to support your practice's growth and evolution. From seamless appointment scheduling to secure telehealth sessions, Healthie streamlines every aspect of your practice, enabling you to deliver exceptional care while maximizing efficiency and productivity.

Moreover, as Healthie continues to focus on elevating the private practice experience for providers and patients alike, it continues to add high-value third party integrations to its marketplace, Healthie Harbor.  Integrations with ZocDoc, Kintsugi Health, and Sanctuary, empower therapists to increase their patient load, streamline administration, and provide holistic care.