Chapter 4 looks at how Electronic Health Records (EHR) can be used to strengthen clinical integration and improve patient care. This is of particular concern in Medicaid, given that Medicaid beneficiaries experience higher rates of substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions compared to those with private insurance.
Adopting certified electronic health record technology is one strategy to improve communication between behavioral and physical health providers, and to promote better integrated care. However, EHR adoption remains low among behavioral health providers. In addition, many EHRs do not meet the needs of providers who provide SUD treatment and other behavioral health services to Medicaid beneficiaries. In the coming year, the Commission will continue examining how federal Medicaid policy can be used to support EHR adoption among behavioral health providers.
From: June 2021 Report to Congress on Medicaid and CHIP