SG

Steve Gold, JD, MPH

Co-Founder & Former CEO, Refresh Mental Health

Contributing Editor at EHR Source

LinkedIn Profile

About

Steve Gold co-founded Refresh Mental Health and served as its CEO, scaling the organization to more than 300 outpatient behavioral health locations across 37 states with over 3,000 clinicians. In 2022, Refresh Mental Health was acquired by Optum for approximately $1.2 billion.

Gold holds a BA in History from Yale College, a JD and MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Florida, and a Master of Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania. Before building Refresh Mental Health, he co-founded RiverMend Health and served as Deputy Solicitor General of Florida.

He is now building Sero Mental Health, his next venture in the behavioral health space. He serves on the boards of K9s For Warriors and The Bolles School.

At EHR Source, Steve draws on his direct experience running large-scale behavioral health operations to write about enterprise EHR governance, healthcare M&A implications for technology decisions, and strategic planning for multi-site provider groups.

Credentials

  • JD, University of Florida
  • MPH in Epidemiology, University of Florida
  • Master of Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania
  • BA in History, Yale College

Expertise

Behavioral Health Operations Healthcare M&A Multi-Site Practice Management Value-Based Care Strategy Enterprise EHR Governance

Articles by Steve Gold

selection 14 min read

Why Ease Is Built for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Centers (2026)

A deep 2026 guide for SUD operators evaluating Ease across ASAM-level transitions, Part 2 controls, and occupancy-to-cash performance.
selection 14 min read

Why Ease Is a High-Fit Platform for MAT Programs (2026)

A deep MAT buyer guide for 2026 covering Part 8/Part 2 requirements, telemedicine updates, and Ease workflow fit.
selection 12 min read

Why Ease Is a High-Upside Choice for Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs (2026)

A deep outpatient buyer guide for 2026 covering demand signals, payer changes, and a practical scorecard for evaluating Ease.
selection 14 min read

Why Ease Is a Serious Contender for Psychiatric Hospitals (2026)

An enterprise buyer guide for psychiatric hospitals covering FY 2026 IPF policy shifts and inpatient workflow requirements.
strategy 18 min read

Cloud EHR vs. On-Premise EHR: The Definitive Comparison for 2026

Cloud vs. on-premise EHR compared: cost, security, scalability, and compliance differences that determine the right fit for your organization.
strategy 16 min read

EHR Interoperability in 2026: FHIR, TEFCA, and the End of Data Silos

EHR interoperability decoded: FHIR, TEFCA, and information blocking rules explained with actionable strategies for healthcare organizations.
strategy 17 min read

AI in EHR Systems: How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Clinical Documentation

How ambient AI, clinical decision support, and predictive analytics are reshaping EHR workflows — with vendor comparisons and practical adoption guidance.
selection 20 min read

The 10 Largest EHR Vendors in 2026: Market Share, Pricing, and What Sets Them Apart

10 largest EHR vendors ranked by market share, real pricing, KLAS ratings, and deployment models. Honest pros and cons for each.
strategy 20 min read

Private Equity Is Reshaping Behavioral Health EHR: What Providers Need to Know (2026)

Private equity is buying up behavioral health EHRs. See which vendors were acquired, how quality changed, and what to ask before signing.
implementation 18 min read

CMS Prior Authorization API Readiness: 2026-2027 Implementation Playbook

CMS prior authorization API readiness guide covering structured PA packets, queue ownership, payer rules, vendor commitments, 2026 roadmap, and denial prevention.
strategy 11 min read

TEFCA Readiness Playbook: What to Validate Before You Commit to an EHR

How provider organizations should validate TEFCA and interoperability readiness claims from EHR vendors in real operational workflows.
implementation 12 min read

HIPAA Security Rule Readiness Checklist for EHR and Practice Operations

A practical security hardening checklist for EHR operations, downtime resilience, incident response, and vendor risk management.
selection 11 min read

FHIR API Procurement Checklist for Multi-Site Provider Groups

A contract and technical due-diligence checklist to validate FHIR API readiness when selecting an EHR for multi-site provider organizations.
implementation 12 min read

MIPS and Promoting Interoperability Workflow Blueprint for EHR Teams

Boost MIPS and Promoting Interoperability scores with EHR workflow redesign, governance structures, and reporting controls.
strategy 12 min read

Enterprise EHR Governance Operating Model for Large Provider Groups

EHR governance blueprint for multi-site provider groups: decision rights, committee structures, and optimization across specialties.
selection 13 min read

Enterprise EHR RFP Template and Weighted Scoring Model

Enterprise EHR RFP template with weighted scoring model: evaluate vendors on governance, interoperability, security, and total cost.
implementation 12 min read

Post-Merger EHR Consolidation Playbook for Multi-Site Provider Groups

Post-merger EHR consolidation playbook: target-state decisions, phased migration, risk controls, and governance for multi-site groups.
implementation 26 min read

How to Run a Clinic: The Complete Operating Playbook (2026)

Step-by-step clinic operations guide: legal setup, staffing, scheduling, billing, compliance, and growth strategies for new practices.
strategy 14 min read

Information Blocking Complaints and Enforcement Playbook (2026)

Information blocking enforcement is real in 2026. Learn how complaints work, what penalties look like, and how to reduce risk.
implementation 17 min read

California Clinic Compliance Checklist (2026): Telehealth, CURES, E-Prescribing, and Ops Controls

California clinic compliance checklist with EHR controls for telehealth, CURES, e-prescribing, opioid risk discussions, privacy, audits, and vendor demos.
implementation 12 min read

Texas Clinic Compliance Checklist (2026): PMP, Controlled Substances, and Prescribing Workflow

Texas clinic compliance checklist: PMP requirements, controlled-substance prescribing rules, and risk-reduction workflow controls.
implementation 12 min read

Florida Clinic Compliance Checklist (2026): Telehealth, PDMP, and E-Prescribing Controls

Florida clinic compliance checklist: telehealth registration, PDMP requirements, controlled-substance prescribing, and governance.
implementation 16 min read

State Clinic Compliance Checklists (2026): California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois

State-by-state clinic compliance hub for CA, TX, FL, NY, and IL with EHR controls for telehealth, prescribing, privacy, consent, billing evidence, and audit readiness.
strategy 14 min read

AI Governance Playbook for Large Provider Groups (2026)

AI governance framework for healthcare: NIST AI RMF alignment, ONC HTI-1 transparency, and HIPAA controls for clinical AI deployments.
implementation 18 min read

Ambient AI Clinical Documentation: Implementation Playbook for Provider Groups

Ambient AI documentation implementation playbook covering pilot metrics, consent, quality audits, privacy, specialty failure modes, contracts, and scale controls.
selection 15 min read

Best EHR for Oncology Infusion Centers (2026 Buyer Guide)

Oncology infusion center EHR guide: regimen safety checks, pharmacy coordination, hazardous-drug controls, and drug-buy billing.
strategy 18 min read

AI Clinical Decision Support Governance Framework (2026)

AI clinical decision support governance framework with decision rights, control gates, monitoring dashboards, contract terms, and board-level oversight questions.
implementation 13 min read

New York Clinic Compliance Checklist (2026): Privacy, E-Prescribing, and Ops Controls

New York clinic compliance checklist: privacy controls, I-STOP prescribing rules, and operational safeguards for multi-site groups.
implementation 13 min read

Illinois Clinic Compliance Checklist (2026): Privacy, Prescribing, and Risk Controls

Illinois clinic compliance checklist: prescribing governance, BIPA data privacy, incident response, and audit readiness controls.
strategy 19 min read

EHR Security and HIPAA Compliance: Protecting Patient Data in 2026

EHR security and HIPAA compliance: 2025 Security Rule changes, zero trust architecture, ransomware defense, and vendor evaluation.
implementation 14 min read

Healthcare Cybersecurity Without a CISO: A Small Practice Defense Playbook (2026)

Small practice cybersecurity checklist: top attack vectors, essential security tools, vendor vetting, incident response, and cyber insurance.
strategy 15 min read

EHR Market Consolidation in 2026: What the Platform Wars Mean for Your Practice

EHR market consolidation analysis: market share shifts, M&A activity, and what Epic, Oracle Health, and MEDITECH moves mean for you.
strategy 15 min read

Configuring Your EHR for Value-Based Care: From Fee-for-Service to Outcomes (2026)

Configure your EHR for value-based care: risk stratification, care gap tracking, SDOH capture, and vendor VBC feature comparison.
rcm 17 min read

In-House vs. Outsourced RCM: Decision Framework for Healthcare Organizations (2026)

Outsource or build in-house? Cost models, performance benchmarks, contract structures, and hybrid approaches for revenue cycle management.
rcm 14 min read

Payment Posting and Reconciliation: How to Close the Revenue Cycle Loop (2026)

Automate payment posting: ERA/EOB processing, contractual adjustment validation, payment variance detection, and reconciliation workflows.
selection 15 min read

eClinicalWorks Problems in 2026: $155M Fraud Settlement, OIG Safety Concerns, and Ongoing Compliance Issues

An evidence-based analysis of eClinicalWorks regulatory and compliance issues — the $155M DOJ settlement, class-action lawsuits, OIG patient safety concerns, and data portability failures.
strategy 14 min read

Oracle Health (Cerner) Outage History: A Timeline of EHR Downtime Incidents and What They Mean for Your Organization

A documented timeline of Oracle Health (Cerner) outages — the 5-day hospital outage in April 2025, CrowdStrike impact, VA system failures, and lessons for EHR vendor evaluation.
implementation 18 min read

42 CFR Part 2 Compliance Guide for EHR Systems (2026)

Complete guide to 42 CFR Part 2 compliance for substance use disorder records — the 2024 final rule changes, consent management, EHR configuration, audit trails, and how Part 2 differs from HIPAA.
strategy 20 min read

How to Start a Substance Abuse Treatment Center (2026 Guide)

Step-by-step guide to opening an addiction treatment center — state licensing, ASAM levels of care, staffing, accreditation, insurance credentialing, startup costs, and EHR selection.
selection 12 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Pennsylvania EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Pennsylvania behavioral health providers covering HealthChoices BH-MCOs, DDAP SUD licensing, Act 98 telehealth parity, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 12 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Ohio EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Ohio behavioral health providers covering Ohio Department of Behavioral Health certification, Medicaid MCOs, OARRS/PDMP integration, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 12 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Massachusetts EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Massachusetts behavioral health providers covering MassHealth ACO/MCO model, BSAS SUD licensing, telehealth parity under Chapter 260, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 12 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Michigan EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Michigan behavioral health providers covering the dual MHP/PIHP system, LARA licensing, Mental Health Framework changes, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 12 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: New Jersey EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for New Jersey behavioral health providers covering NJ FamilyCare behavioral health integration, DMHAS oversight, telehealth parity, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Georgia EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Georgia behavioral health providers covering DBHDD facility licensing, Georgia Families CMO transition, CCBHC expansion, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: North Carolina EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for North Carolina behavioral health providers covering Tailored Plans, LME/MCO structure, NC HealthConnex HIE, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Virginia EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Virginia behavioral health providers covering DBHDS licensing, Cardinal Care MCOs, Behavioral Health Services Redesign, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Arizona EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Arizona behavioral health providers covering ADHS licensing, AHCCCS ACC-RBHA managed care, telehealth audio-only parity, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 14 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Colorado EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Colorado behavioral health providers covering BHA licensing, Health First Colorado ACC Phase III, RAEs, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Washington EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Washington behavioral health providers covering DOH-HSQA licensing, Apple Health Integrated Managed Care, parity enforcement, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Maryland EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Maryland behavioral health providers covering BHA licensing, HealthChoice MCOs, Carelon ASO transition, CRISP HIE, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 14 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Minnesota EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Minnesota behavioral health providers covering Chapter 245I/245G licensing, 8 Medicaid MCOs, CCBHC expansion, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 14 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Connecticut EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Connecticut behavioral health providers covering DMHAS/DPH dual-agency licensing, HUSKY Health CTBHP, new telehealth CPT codes, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 14 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Oregon EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Oregon behavioral health providers covering OHA licensing, 16 CCOs, Measure 110 implementation, directed payments, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Tennessee EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Tennessee behavioral health providers covering TDMHSAS licensing, TennCare MCOs, 120-day timely filing, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Indiana EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Indiana behavioral health providers covering FSSA/DMHA certification, 3 MCEs, INSPECT PDMP integration, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Missouri EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Missouri behavioral health providers covering DMH/DBH certification, FFS behavioral health carve-out, 20 CCBHCs, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Wisconsin EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for Wisconsin behavioral health providers covering DHS/DQA certification, BadgerCare Plus HMOs, ForwardHealth billing, and EHR requirements for 2026.
selection 13 min read

Behavioral Health Practice Guide: South Carolina EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)

State-specific guide for South Carolina behavioral health providers covering new BHDD agency, 5 Medicaid MCOs, permanent BH telehealth flexibilities, and EHR requirements for 2026.
regulatory 16 min read

42 CFR Part 2 Final Rule: What Changed for SUD Programs on February 16, 2026

The 42 CFR Part 2 final rule aligning SUD records with HIPAA took effect February 16, 2026. Here is what changed, what your compliance team needs to do, and how it affects billing workflows.
regulatory 18 min read

MHPAEA Enforcement Paused: What the 2026 Delay Means for Behavioral Health Providers

CMS paused enforcement of the 2024 MHPAEA final rule NQTL comparative analyses. Here is what the delay means for behavioral health reimbursement, network adequacy, and parity complaints.
regulatory 20 min read

One Big Beautiful Bill: How OBBBA Medicaid Changes Affect Behavioral Health (2026-2027)

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act restructures Medicaid with work requirements, FMAP cuts, and eligibility changes starting 2027. Here is the behavioral health revenue impact and how to prepare.
regulatory 22 min read

DEA Telehealth Prescribing Rules 2026: Planning for the December Cliff

The fourth DEA telehealth prescribing extension expires December 31, 2026 with no permanent rule. Here is what behavioral health prescribers need to know about Schedule II-V medications, buprenorphine, and contingency planning.
regulatory 16 min read

CMS 2026 Physician Fee Schedule: Behavioral Health Billing Changes Explained

The CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule introduces new Collaborative Care G-codes, expands DMHT device reimbursement, and updates conversion factors. Here is what behavioral health practices need to change.
regulatory 18 min read

2026 OPPS Rule: PHP and IOP Rate Changes Explained for Behavioral Health

The CY 2026 OPPS final rule updates PHP and IOP per-diem rates, fixes the CMHC cost inversion, and introduces condition code 92 changes. Here is the billing impact for behavioral health facilities.
regulatory 16 min read

CMS Prior Auth Reform 2026: New Decision Timelines and What They Mean for Behavioral Health

CMS-0057-F requires payers to issue prior authorization decisions within 72 hours (urgent) and 7 days (standard) starting January 2026, with public denial rate reporting. Here is how behavioral health practices should respond.
regulatory 15 min read

Medicare Telehealth Extended Through 2027: Behavioral Health Billing Updates

Congress extended Medicare telehealth flexibilities through March 2027, making audio-only permanent for behavioral health. Here are the billing codes, place-of-service rules, and originating site changes your practice needs.
regulatory 20 min read

State Medicaid Behavioral Health Rate Changes: 2026 Tracker and Analysis

After 23 states raised behavioral health Medicaid rates in FY 2025, only 14 followed through in FY 2026. Here is a state-by-state tracker of rate changes, FMAP adjustments, and what it means for your revenue.
regulatory 18 min read

No Surprises Act and Behavioral Health: Billing Compliance Guide for 2026

How the No Surprises Act affects behavioral health practices — out-of-network billing rules, good faith estimates, Independent Dispute Resolution, and compliance requirements for therapy and psychiatry practices.
regulatory 19 min read

Medicare Advantage Prior Auth Denial Rates: What Behavioral Health Practices Need to Know (2026)

Medicare Advantage plans deny behavioral health prior authorizations at alarming rates. Here is how to use CMS transparency data, appeal effectively, and hold MA plans accountable under new rules.
regulatory 16 min read

OIG Telehealth Audit Priorities for Behavioral Health: What to Expect in 2026

The HHS Office of Inspector General is intensifying telehealth audits for behavioral health. Here are the specific risk areas, documentation requirements, and compliance strategies to protect your practice.
regulatory 18 min read

Medicaid Managed Care BH Network Adequacy: CMS Access Rule Changes for 2026

The CMS Medicaid access rule (CMS-2439-F) introduces appointment wait time standards and secret shopper audits for behavioral health networks. Here is what providers and MCOs need to change.
regulatory 16 min read

Split/Shared Visit Billing for Behavioral Health Practices: 2026 Rules and Revenue Impact

CMS split/shared visit rules affect how psychiatrists, NPs, and PAs bill E/M services in behavioral health. Here are the current rules, documentation requirements, and revenue optimization strategies.
regulatory 17 min read

Mental Health Parity Compliance Documentation Guide: Building Your NQTL Evidence File (2026)

Even with MHPAEA enforcement paused, documenting parity violations now protects your revenue when enforcement resumes. Here is how to build a compliance evidence file, track NQTL disparities, and use parity data in contract negotiations.
regulatory 18 min read

Behavioral Health Credentialing and Payer Enrollment Guide: Timelines, Pitfalls, and Revenue Impact (2026)

Provider credentialing and payer enrollment delays cost behavioral health practices $5,000-$15,000 per provider per month in lost revenue. Here is how to accelerate the process, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize reimbursable visits from day one.