On Monday, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services made it known that they feel that mobile medical software can enhance the quality and efficiency of many different kinds of medical treatments.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced a plan to dole out $4 million in grants to "underserved areas," where patient care has been hindered by problems with transportation, lack of behavioral facilities in their area and/or financial issues. This money is intended for medical software solutions such as smartphones and health apps geared towards behavioral treatment.

"One of the most important recent advances in medicine is the application of information technology to healthcare. It is important that the behavioral health field be part of these technological advances to reach people who need treatment with safe, high quality care," commented SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde.

Six substance abuse and mental health institutions in different states will receive between $718,547 and $840,000 over the course of three years.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology says that health IT such as EHRs can help streamline and augment bookkeeping, enhance patients' access to medical decision making processes and help physicians make quicker diagnoses.