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ASCs in the news: EHR systems still rare among ambulatory physicians

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, July 1, 2008

A survey published on June 19 on the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Web site reports that 83% of American ambulatory care physicians do not use electronic health record (EHR) systems. The survey was conducted by Catherine M. DesRoches, Dr.P.H. et al., from late 2007 to early 2008.

Only 4% of responding physicians practicing in ambulatory care have access to a state-of-the-art EHR system, according to the NEJM. An additional 13% use basic EHRs. The picture is far from static, however. The survey indicates that the practices of nearly one fifth of those who have no system functioning now have purchased a system but have yet to implement it. Of those without a system, 26% expect to purchase one during the next two years.

According to the study, all responding physicians reported the same range of concerns about adopting EHRs. The chief one was capital cost, cited by 66% of respondents without systems. Others included difficulty selecting appropriate systems, return on investment, and whether the system would become obsolete.

Physicians with both complete and basic systems use most features regularly, the survey says, and report a high level of satisfaction with EHRs.

The print version of NEJM will publish the study on July 3. To read the online article, click here.

 

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