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Articles in the Health Information Technology Category

Featured, Health Information Technology, Recovery Support »

[ 17 Oct 2011 | 10 Comments ]
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The rapid pace of technological innovation and application of health information technology (HIT) has helped health care providers improve efficiencies in processes, communication, documentation and treatment. The addiction and mental health systems are particularly affected by both the tremendous opportunities, such as coordination of care and better access to treatment, and challenges, such as adopting a new system traditionally not designed for the behavioral health field, ensuring interoperability of HIT systems, and training not only behavioral health providers but patients on the use and benefits of HIT.  Given the importance …

Featured, Health Information Technology »

[ 9 Sep 2011 | 2 Comments ]
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Guest Post: Chuck Ingoglia, Vice President, Public Policy, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
Throughout 2011, states have begun disbursing Medicaid incentive payments to healthcare providers for the meaningful use of health information technology. Among the many providers receiving these payments are several behavioral health organizations, who qualify for the program by having “eligible professionals” (physicians and/or nurse practitioners) on staff.
Grand Lake Mental Health Center in Nowata, Oklahoma – a member of the National Council – was the first behavioral health center in the country to receive incentive payments for its …

Health Information Technology »

[ 25 Jun 2011 | 5 Comments ]
Health Information Technology and Where Behavioral Health Fits

Sometimes it pays to be different.  But the fact that most behavioral health providers were excluded from the health information technology stimulus program only exacerbated an ongoing problem.  Increasingly the emphasis in health care is shifting to a more holistic and coordinated care model.  The establishment of pilot health home models and the pending regulations around accountable care organizations point to this change.  When it comes to providing services for those with behavioral health problems, it is clear that both the physical health and substance abuse and mental health providers …