Doctors Slow To Transition From Paper To E-Health Records
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Although many experts have touted electronic health records as an important way to improve the efficiency and quality of health care, the Washington Post reports that only 25% of doctors have adopted it for use in their practices. Furthermore, only 1 in 10 doctors uses health information technology as part of a comprehensive and effective patient record management system.
One reason why they may be slow to adopt is because implementing health information technology temporarily disrupts the way doctors are accustomed to working. Also, health IT involves a considerable up-front financial investment. Doctors seem to be proceeding cautiously, waiting to see whether electronic health records are delivering on their promise before investing in them.
Still, the number of physicians who are adopting electronic health records is gradually increasing. It is more popular in urban areas, and on the West coast, than in other regions of the country.