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Electronic medical record use in physician offices increasing steadily
Published April 2008
Only 29% of U.S. office-based physicians use EMRs, according to a 2006 Centers for Disease Control survey. This represents a dramatic increase from 17% in 2003, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported in an April 12 article.
Historically, the cost and uncertain benefits were a deterrent to computerizing patient records in physician offices, but this changing, the journal reported. Some practitioners are transitioning to EMRs to improve patient care, billing and payment processes, and their perception among consumers. Physicians are under pressure to use EMRs to qualify them for participation in the increasing number of pay-for-performance programs health insurers offer, according to the article. Some physicians are hopeful that a computer system that helps them meet insurer standards may also help them negotiate payment contracts.
Click here to read the Indianapolis Business Journal article.
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