More than half of physician practices with three or more doctors have fully implemented an electronic health record system, although many of their EHR systems have limited capabilities, according to a recent survey by the Medical Group Management Association, InformationWeek reports.
Implementation of EHR Systems
Among physician practices with three or more doctors, the survey found that:
- 51% had fully implemented an EHR system;
- 25% exclusively were using paper-based records;
- 15% were in the process of implementing an EHR system;
- 8% had started storing transcribed notes electronically; and
- 4% had started scanning records into an electronic document management system.
Capability of EHR Systems
The MGMA survey also found that many of the EHR systems used by survey respondents lacked important functions. The survey found that:
- Only 56% of EHR users said their systems could create problem lists; and
- Only 49% of EHR users said their systems provided drug interaction warnings.
However, Todd Evenson – assistant director of survey operations for MGMA – said that many physician practices have started adopting EHR systems with greater functionality to meet federal requirements for receiving incentive payments under the meaningful use program (Terry, InformationWeek, 2/1).