Despite the emergence of new federal incentive programs, hospitals and vendors are likely to take the lead in driving electronic health record adoption, according to a new report from research firm Kalorama Information, Healthcare IT News reports.
The report estimates that 2009's total EHR market will hit $13.8 billion, falling short of the sector's full potential.
Although the federal government will offer incentive payments to physicians who demonstrate "meaningful use" of EHRs, health care providers will need to supply the upfront capital to purchase the systems.
The report notes that solo practitioners and small physician practices typically recoup the lowest amount of savings from EHR adoption.
Therefore, investigators suggest that hospital systems and vendors will need to offer additional incentives to encourage such physicians to adopt the technology.
Some hospitals and health care systems already are offering significant bonus payments to affiliated physicians who adopt EHR tools.
Meanwhile, some vendors are offering guarantees that their products will comply with the forthcoming meaningful use requirements (Monegain, Healthcare IT News, 12/18).