The Rise of Electronic Health Record Adoption Among Family Physicians

Abstract

PURPOSE Realizing the benefi ts of adopting electronic health records (EHRs) in large measure depends heavily on clinicians and providers' uptake and meaningful use of the technology. This study examines EHR adoption among family physicians using 2 different data sources, compares family physicians with other offi ce-based medical specialists, assesses variation in EHR adoption among family physicians across states, and shows the possibility for data sharing among various medical boards and federal agencies in monitoring and guiding EHR adoption. METHODWe undertook a secondary analysis of American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) administrative data (2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011) and data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) (2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011). RESULTSThe EHR adoption rate by family physicians reached 68% nationally in 2011. NAMCS family physician adoption rates and ABFM adoption rates (2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011) were similar. Family physicians are adopting EHRs at a higher rate than other offi ce-based physicians as a group; however, signifi cant state-level variation exists, indicating geographical gaps in EHR adoption.CONCLUSION Two independent data sets yielded convergent results, showing that adoption of EHRs by family physicians has doubled since 2005, exceeds other offi ce-based physicians as a group, and is likely to surpass 80% by 2013. Adoption varies at a state level. Further monitoring of trends in EHR adoption and characterizing their capacities are important to achieve comprehensive data exchange necessary for better, affordable health care. 2013;11:14-19. doi:10.1370/afm.1461. Ann Fam Med INTRODUCTIONE lectronic health records (EHRs) are generally expected to improve the quality of health care, lower health care costs, and provide patients with more involvement in their own health care.1,2 Federal efforts to increase adoption of EHRs have accelerated in recent years, especially with the 2009 Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which created the Health Information Technology Regional Extension Centers (RECs). Sixty-two RECs were set up across the nation and awarded $657 million in federal funding in 2010.3 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also have set up incentives for adoption and meaningful use of EHRs and penalties for lack of provider engagement. 4 The realization of EHR benefi ts depends heavily on health providers' uptake of this technology. The Triple Aim initiative aspires to improve population health and health care delivery in the United States while controlling costs. 5 The federal e-health directives outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 15 EL EC T RONIC HE A LT H R ECOR D A D OP T IONCare Act. 6 Realization of the Triple Aim will require data sharing and exchange that transects all aspects of health care delivery and depend in part on widespread adoption of EHRs, particularly by offi ce...

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