Most physicians currently use an electronic health record system or are in the process of implementing one, according to a new survey by Medscape, FierceEMR reports.
The survey suggests that the widespread use of EHRs can be attributed in large part to the meaningful use program.
Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments.
Methodology
For the survey, researchers interviewed 21,202 physicians from 25 specialties (Hirsch, FierceEMR, 8/28).
Researchers asked physicians what they liked and disliked about their EHR systems, as well as how the systems affect their practices (Reese, Medscape, 8/23).
In addition, researchers asked doctors to rank their EHR systems in several categories relating to issues such as ease of use, value and reliability (Conn, Modern Healthcare, 8/30).
Increase in Use of EHR Systems
According to the survey, 82% of respondents reported using an EHR system or being in the process of installing one. Meanwhile, 6% of respondents reported having no plans to adopt an EHR system in the next one to two years (FierceEMR, 8/28).
A 2009 Medscape survey found that 38% of respondents reported using an EHR system, while about 33% said they had no plans to purchase one Importance of Meaningful Use Program (Medscape, 8/23).
The new survey found that 44% of respondents reported already attesting to meaningful use and that 31% said they expected to within the next year.
Leslie Kane — executive editor of Medscape‘s Business of Medicine division, said that the rapid increase in physician adoption of EHRs this year is directly related to the meaningful use program.
In addition, Kane said that pressure from other physicians has had an effect on EHR adoption. She said, “The number of doctors stonewalling against EHRs has dropped, and people are getting on the bandwagon” (Terry, InformationWeek, 8/29).
Physicians’ Satisfaction With EHRs
According to the survey:
In addition, the survey found that:
Popular, Highest-Ranked Systems
The survey found that the EHR vendors most commonly used by respondents were:
According to the survey, the brands ranked highest by respondents were:
Source: iHealthBeat
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