Is Your Mental Health EHR Sabotaging Your Practice?
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Is Your Mental Health EHR Sabotaging Your Practice?
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified coach, AAMFT clinical supervisor, host of the Love, Happiness, and Success Podcast and founder of Growing Self.
Hey there, fabulous therapists! It’s Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby here, and welcome to another episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s been causing quite a stir in the therapy world: Is your mental health EHR software undermining your therapy practice?
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably poured your heart and soul into building your private practice. And let’s face it, managing the business side of things isn’t exactly why we got into this field. But what if I told you that the very tool you rely on for efficient practice management might actually be working against you?
The Shocking Discovery
It all started with a seemingly innocent email from a colleague. “Hey Lisa, have you checked out the new terms of service for Simple Practice?” they asked. Intrigued and a little concerned, I decided to dive in. What I found left me absolutely gobsmacked.
I spent hours wading through 97 pages of legal jargon, and what I discovered was alarming. Not only were they asking me to sign over rights to my data, my client’s data, and all of the content on my Simple Practice hosted website! There was more! Including clauses about cross-marketing initiatives that didn’t align with my values. They had the right to use client data for remarketing, emailing my clients with solicitations to work with other providers, contacting my clients to solicit feedback about me that was then SOLD to other companies to create “reviews,” and even the right display ads for other therapy providers on my Simple Practice-branded website! Can you believe it?
The Impact on Your Practice
Now, let’s break this down. Imagine you’re a therapist in private practice and you’ve worked tirelessly to attract a new client. They sign up through your EHR’s scheduling system, and then, boom! They start receiving marketing emails from your EHR provider, promoting other therapists and offering discounts for services from big names like BetterHelp and TalkSpace. Essentially, your EHR is poaching your clients, all while you’re paying them for the privilege.
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The Importance of a Trustworthy EHR
A high-quality EHR system should do more than just store therapy client records. It should enhance your workflow, be secure and HIPAA compliant, and protect your data. It’s where we keep our charts and notes, process billing, schedule appointments, and manage our operations. But more importantly, it’s a cornerstone of our practice’s integrity.
My Personal Nightmare
Let me take you behind the scenes of my own EHR nightmare. For years, I was a loyal Simple Practice customer. They had a fantastic interface and comprehensive features. But after reading their updated terms of service, I realized they were using my client data to generate revenue through advertising and remarketing.
They were reaching out to my clients for feedback, which then turned into articles driving traffic to their paid advertisements for other therapy groups. It felt like a massive betrayal.
How to Protect Your Practice
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your practice? Here are a few steps:
- Ask Questions: When evaluating EHR providers, ask them directly about their business model. Do they engage in remarketing or promoting other practices through their platform?
- Read the Fine Print: Don’t just skim through the terms of service. Take the time to read and understand every clause. If possible, hire an attorney to review it.
- Test as a Client: Sign up as a client to see what kind of communication you receive. Are there any unexpected marketing emails or agreements?
- Stay Informed: Keep up with industry news and discussions. Knowledge is power, and being aware of potential risks can help you make better decisions.
Moving Forward
After my ordeal, I made the tough decision to migrate to a different platform. It took months of research, testing, and transitioning, but it was worth it to protect my practice and my clients’ trust.
Choosing an EHR system is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your practice. It’s not just about features; it’s about aligning with a company that respects your work and your clients.
Connect and Learn More
Thank you so much for joining me on this episode. If you’re not already connected with me on LinkedIn, please do! You can find me at Lisa Marie Bobby. Let’s stay in touch, and please share this with your colleagues.
For more resources, check out my website at growingself.com/therapist. You’ll find articles, podcasts, and interactive activities to help you thrive in this evolving world of therapy.
Until next time, stay informed, stay protected, and keep growing. We’re in this together, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Warmly, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
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What EHR platform did you switch to?
Hey Tiffany! We are currently experimenting with a Canadian platform called Jane. It is not perfect but I am confident that they’re not engaging in the same kind of underhandedness that we experienced with Simple Practice. Which one are you using currently?