The Rise of Electronic Health Record Adoption Among Family Physicians

• Published in: Annals of family medicine Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 14 - 19
• Main Authors: Xierali, Imam M., PhD, Hsiao, Chun-Ju, PhD, Puffer, James C., MD, Green, Larry A., MD, Rinaldo, Jason C.B., PhD, Bazemore, Andrew W., MD, MPH, Burke, Mathew T., MD, Phillips, Robert L., MD, MSPH
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Academy of Family Physicians 2013
• Subjects: Electronic Health Records - statistics & numerical data; Electronic Health Records - trends; Electronic Health Records - utilization; Family Practice - organization & administration; Family Practice - statistics & numerical data; Health Care Surveys; Internal Medicine; Original Research; United States; United States; family physicians; American Board of Family Medicine; electronic health record; National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey
• ISSN: 1544-1709; 1544-1717
• DOI: 10.1370/afm.1461

Abstract Purpose Realizing the benefits 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 office-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. Method We undertook a secondary analysis of American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) administrative data (2005-2011) and data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) (2001-2011). Results The EHR adoption rate by family physicians reached 68% nationally in 2011. NAMCS family physician adoption rates and ABFM adoption rates (2005-2011) were similar. Family physicians are adopting EHRs at a higher rate than other office-based physicians as a group; however, significant 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 office-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.