Increased U.S. Use of Electronic Medical Records

A new survey finds that nearly a quarter of U.S. physicians used some form of electronic patient record in 2005.

The U.S. National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), prepared by statisticians at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA), found that 24% of doctors in 2005 reported they used electronic medical records (EMRs), either entirely or in combination with paper notes, representing a 31% increase from the 18.2% reported in the 2001 survey. The CDC survey of 1,281 doctors found gaps between large medical practices and smaller doctor groups. About 46% of doctors in groups with 11 or more use some form of electronic records compared with 16% in solo practice. However, only one in 10 (9.3%) of physicians used EMRs with all four of the basic functions--computerized orders for prescriptions, computerized orders for tests, reporting of test results, and physician notes--considered necessary for a complete EMR system.

Most experts agree that electronic records can reduce medical errors by keeping information on prescriptions, test orders, and other information in order. They can also cut costs by reducing duplicated tests as well as the staff needed to manage files. The survey is part of ongoing efforts by government officials to try and meet a U.S. presidential goal of having digital health data for every American by 2014.

"Although these estimates show that progress has been made toward the goal of universal electronic health records, there is still a long way to go,” the survey reported.

A U.S. government healthcare information technology (IT) certification group has given its seal of approval to 18 software products, which its chairman said should help more doctors, particularly in small practices, go digital.



Related Links:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention