The EHR incentive program just isn't getting enough press. Lately, providers have started asking about the program in many states and the questions are more akin to, "what is the program thing people talk about?" than, "I know I qualify, where can I attest?"
This program, although limited by statute to higher volume Medicare and Medicaid could create the critical mass (or at least contribute to it) necessary to make EHRs mainstream. The program needs a lift, in any way possible. I personally think that the program should have been rolled out to all, or at least the majority of, providers in the US, though I understand where the government was coming from.
One such lift that could help the cause is to include mental health providers. The inclusion of mental health providers help not only the providers in the space and the patients they treat, but it would also promote the inclusion of mental health data in the overall patient record (with appropriate additional security measures appropriate for mental health and substance abuse, of course).
The Program is, and should be, built on the basis of inclusion instead of exclusion. Those providers that support and contribute to sustained positive health of patients should be included. Physicians, nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, dentists, and some physician assistants are appropriately included as they meet that definition; mental health professionals should as well.
I can’t claim that his program is perfect, as nearly any government program is – there are just too many hands that get to touch it. There is a considerable amount of good and forward thinking that is built into it, however. Technology is the basis of much of our lives, whether we admit it or not. Technology needs to, and will, make its mark on health care as well. We need to help it along.
The link below is a little old, but since the topic is still active, I thought I would include it: Bill gives EHR incentives to mental health practices
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