A Bazemore; M Burke; I Xierali; S Petterson; J Rinaldo; LA Green; and J Puffer
Context: The Office of the National Coordinator and recent federal policy have dramatically expanded incentives for adoption and "meaningful use" of electronic health records (EHRs). However, there is little reliable information regarding adoption rates in primary care, and some concern exists about lagging adoption rates beyond large group practices. Results: A majority of board-certified family physicians in the United States now use EHRs. The most rural of family physicians lag slightly behind the national adoption frequency, but 4-year trends suggest similar rates of uptake. Though board-certified family physicians may differ from those who do not maintain certification, understanding uptake among this cohort is critical because Maintenance of Certification (MOC) and the adoption of health information technology both are essential elements of quality improvement in primary care. Conclusion: Although further monitoring of adoption trends is important, the mounting challenge will not be adoption but the sufficiency of EHRs to help family physicians take better care of their patients.
Bazemore A, Burke M, Xierali I, Petterson S, Rinaldo J, Green LA, Puffer J. J Am Board Fam Med. 2011;24(2):132.
