Primary Care EHRs Missing Acute Psychiatric Treatment For People With Depression & Bipolar Disorder In 90% Of Records

The electronic health record (EHR) used in 2009 by a large primary care physician practice in Massachusetts lacked information for about 90% of emergency psychiatric care or psychiatric hospitalizations due to depression or bipolar disorder. Further, for nearly 30% of consumers age 12 and older with an insurance claim for depression or bipolar disorder treatment, the primary care EHR had no record of that diagnosis. Because the primary care EHR held data only for care provided by the primary care practice, behavioral health care (as well as any other health services) provided outside the primary care practice was not recorded . . .