Finances a hurdle to EHR implementation

Among 100 primary care physicians recently polled about electronic health record (EHR) systems, approximately 40% cited financial problems as their practices’ biggest hurdle, whereas another 40% listed EHR implementation itself.

Of those who listed financials as their greatest struggle, 51% said they believed EHR implementation would help. Of practices that didn’t believe EHR systems would help address their money problems, 46% said they feared the higher costs and overhead associated with EHR systems. Fifteen percent were worried about decreases in practice productivity.

The survey said the most common reasons given for anticipating improved financials after implementing an EHR were improved coding and documentation to substantiate claims, followed by improved efficiencies and reduced costs.

Go back to the current issue of the eConsult.