Survey: Most Physicians Using, Starting To Implement EHRs

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:

• 62% of respondents reported that they are happy with their EHR systems;
• 38% said they are dissatisfied with their EHR systems (Medscape,  8/23);
• 28% said they are unhappy with their EHR but have invested too much to  switch to a different system; and
• 10% said they plan to change systems (Modern Healthcare,  8/30).

In addition, the survey found that:

• 54% of respondents said they are not happy with their EHR systems’  interactivity;
• 26% reported decreased productivity with their EHR system;
• 23% said that their system boosted efficiency; and
• 6% said that their system helped them earn more money.

Popular, Highest-Ranked Systems

The survey found that the EHR vendors most commonly used by respondents  were:

• Allscripts;
• Cerner; and
• EPIC.

According to the survey, the brands ranked highest by respondents were:

• Amazing Charts;
• e-MDs;
• Medent;
• Practice Fusion; and
• VA-CPRS (FierceEMR, 8/28).

Source: iHealthBeat

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