A majority of U.S. doctors --55 percent-- now use electronic record-keeping systems, according to a federal study. And about three-quarters of those who did so felt it made their patient care better.
Researchers at the federal National Center for Health Statistics also found that nearly one half of physicians who don’t have an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system are going to buy one in the next year. Among the benefits the doctors cited: accessing a patient’s record remotely, communicating directly with a patient, and being alerted of potential medication errors.
Physicians who were using EHR systems tended to be general practitioners who were under 50 and worked in a large office (at least 11 doctors).
Under a federal regulation, physicians who classify their EHR as getting “meaningful use” will be provided with a cash incentive.
