Few Physicians Adopt Electronic Medical Record Technology: New Study
Electronic medical record systems have been touted as the wave of the future in healthcare and research has demonstrated their value in preventing medical errors. According to new data published in the New England Journal of Medicine, however, only 4% of physicians have extensive, fully-functioning electronic systems, and only 13% have even a basic system.
A fully-functional electronic medical record system typically includes a patient's complete medical records, medication lists, problems, and prior clinical notes from office visits. A patient's physician can also utilize the system to order prescriptions, laboratory tests and radiology tests electronically. Additionally, that physician can review lab results and view X-rays, MRIs or other scans on the computer. The system also prompts health professionals with warnings about inappropriate prescriptions or abnormal lab results, and reminds appropriate people when lab or screening tests are needed.
Researchers in this latest study found that primary care doctors and doctors with large practices or those in hospitals or medical centers were more likely than others to have electronic medical record systems. Physicians in the western region of the United States were also more likely to have such systems. Concerns about cost and return on investment were among the top reasons doctors cited for not adopting an electronic medical record system.
Both Medicare and private insurance companies are pushing healthcare facilities to adopt electronic medical record systems as a way of monitoring quality of care, which is increasingly becoming a basis for reimbursement levels. According to authors of the study, patients and younger doctors who were trained with such systems also typically pressure healthcare facilities to adopt electronic medical records. Electronic records make it possible for patients to send their medical records directly to doctors and specialists instantly, eliminating legwork and lost or illegible documentation.
Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- Evidence that many Americans take their medications incorrectly -- or not at all
- How a risk of blood clots goes unaddressed in discharged patients
- How patient safety is often jeopardized by hospital cost-cutting measures
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