Whether you call it a transition, a switch or a migration, changing from one EMR to another is one of the most dreaded administrative tasks in behavioral healthcare.

Although intuitive, cloud-based all-in-one systems like Behave Health offer a much easier transition experience than the clunky software options of yesteryear, administrators are still holding onto negative thinking when it comes to making “the big switch.”

Often we hear organizations express their ambivalence about making an EMR switch with phrases like:

“It’s so expensive” 

“The transition will go on forever”

“Our staff will never forgive us” 

“Our workflow is too complicated” 

“The last switch cost us so much time”

While these concerns are legitimate, there’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to switching from one EMR to another. If you choose wisely, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy the process can be. 

Today, we’ll look at the top 5 reasons why most organizations procrastinate about switching away from their legacy EHR to a more modern EMR. 

“Our workflows are so unique and idiosyncratic we’re worried the transition to a new EMR will be too hard”

This is a common concern, especially in the behavioral healthcare world. Let’s face it, our workflows have often evolved along with our organizations in response to a changing landscape of rules, standards and regulations. 

There are many challenges here. 

Payers have demanded much more documentation now than in the past. As our understanding of the disease of addiction has become more sophisticated, we have added more and more forms to our intake packets and treatment plans. As lab testing standards have evolved, our UA results have often been separated out from our electronic records, collecting dust in large stacks that have yet to be filled. Our new patient paperwork can be a chaotic pastiche of older forms and newer add-ons. 

While it is important to clean up any unwieldy workflows before attempting to transition to a new software system, it’s equally important to choose an EMR that has been specifically designed to accommodate the workflows that are unique to behavioral healthcare. Behave Health has simplified every step of the way, from customer resource management to clinical documentation, to discharge planning and patient portal capability. We work with you to simplify existing systems and make the transition seamless.  

“We’re concerned that staff productivity and morale will take a hit during and after the transition” 

Do staff enjoy switching from one EMR to another? 

While you may think the answer is a resounding “NO!,” the real truth is that, in some instances, a switch can be embraced by staff, especially those who feel burdened with an out-of-date, dysfunctional system. 

In fact, in many cases, a glitchy, cumbersome legacy EMR can cause more staff dissatisfaction and turnover than a software transition. 

One study found that over 67% of clinicians are not happy with their EHR. Over 30% are considering making “the switch.” Importantly, 30% also felt that a poor performing EMR is a leading cause of clinician burnout. 

“We’re worried about cybersecurity during and after the transition” 

The safety of patient data is sacrosanct. Cybersecurity has become an existential threat to behavioral healthcare providers. HIPAA violations are costly mistakes that no organization is eager to repeat. Moreover, quality providers are invested in the safety of patient data and find that a strong culture of privacy is an essential element to creating rock-solid therapeutic alliances. 

Behave Health is invested in safeguarding PHI and maintaining patient privacy during all phases of the transition. 

“We don’t want to hire temporary staff to assist with the work of the transition”

While some organizations do hire temporary IT workers or similar transition facilitator roles to support a big software switch, Behave Health make transition support a top priority for all customers. You’ll get a dedicated liaison for all help requests, as well as free staff training on how to use the software. Our helpdesk is always here if you need guidance.  

That said, the more complicated a system is, the steeper the learning curve. That’s why Behave Health has whittled down the bloat and delivered exactly what behavioral health organizations need to run well - and nothing more. This discernment and fine-tuning makes it easy to find what you need, when you need it, quickly and easily. Our user interface has the look and feel of a sleek modern app. We’ve focused on making our EMR extremely easy to use, which helps cut down transition time as well as training needs. It just works. 

Behave Health Makes Switching Behavioral Health EMRs Easy

Behave Health is committed to making it easier - and more profitable - to operate evidence-based, results-focused addiction treatment centers.

Our all-in-one app puts clinical, administration, staff, admissions, alumni, residents, treatment 

plans, billing, insurance authorizations and more - all at your fingertips.

Get your free trial started today and see why more addiction treatment centers prefer Behave Health.

PS. Just getting started with behavioral health? Need help with certification, too? Behave Health can also help direct you to the right resources for help with Licensing or Accreditation by either The Joint Commission or CARF. Mention to your product specialist that you’re interested in this service after you start your free trial!