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BLOG: US reports 75% of physicians now using electronic health record technologies

From international law firm Arnold & Porter LLP comes timely views on current regulatory and legislative topics that weigh on the minds of today’s physicians and health care executives.

Physicians’ adoption and use of electronic health record (EHR) technology has increased significantly since 2009, according to a recent analysis by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). In particular, nearly 75% of office-based physicians used some type of electronic health records system as of this year, and the percentage of physicians with e-prescribing capabilities has more than doubled since 2009.

Diane E. Bieri

In a data brief released Dec. 13, ONC reported trends in physician adoption and use of EHR in the past four years, since the enactment of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009. The act authorized incentive payments to eligible professionals and hospitals in connection with the meaningful use of certified EHR technology.

ONC’s data show that physicians increasingly are using EHR technology to meet core objectives related to improving quality, safety and efficiency. Notably, more physicians also are turning to EHR to engage patients and families in their health care, with a 46% increase from 2011 to 2012 in the percentage of physicians with computerized capability to provide patients with clinical summaries after visits.

Diane E. Bieri, JD, can be reached at Arnold & Porter LLP, 555 12th St. NW, Washington, DC 20004-1206; 202-942-6310; email: Diane.Bieri@aporter.com