Cost Prohibits EHR Adoption
The news is not really shocking to HIM professionals who've seen EHR adoption up close and personal, especially if those HIM professionals had any dealings with the CFO while working toward implementing an electronic record.
The New England Journal of Medicine published a study on the adoption of EHRs by ambulatory physicians. Only 4 percent have an "extensive, fully functional electronic system," while 13 percent have implemented some sort of an EHR.
I liked the Wall Street Journal Health Blog's take on it, and the comments that follow are worth a read, too, particularly the ones from frustrated physicians. At any rate, the study had EHRs in the spotlight today, and was covered by many of the major news outlets.
I think it's important to clear up a misconception I've been hearing lately, too. President Bush didn't mandate EHRs by 2014; he simply said that most Americans should have them. There's no requirement in place; it was more like a goal to work toward, and yes, some balls did get rolling to make this a reality, as with any goal. Just type in "Bush EHR mandate" to Google and you'll be met with a plethora of misinformation (and some helpful articles that clear up the misunderstanding). I really enjoy the articles that even make up their own date for the "mandate," say, 2010, maybe 2012. So no, the world will not come crashing down if, and when, the majority of Americans don't have an EHR by 2014. That "when" is further reinforced by the study released today, and you can check out its full text here.