By Patty Enrado, Editor
CHICAGO — In 2008, cost continued to be the number one reason why physicians did not implement electronic health records, or EHRs, according to a HIMSS Analytics ambulatory practice survey.
While cost is the biggest barrier, workflow and business planning also inhibit implementation, said Mary Griskewicz, senior director of Ambulatory Information for HIMSS.
To that end, HIMSS Analytics developed an ambulatory practice version of its Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, or EMRAM. The model addresses workforce development issues and business planning for EHR adoption, she said.
Although the economic stimulus package’s healthcare IT funding likely won’t reach physician practices until 2010 or even 2011, the money should help alleviate the cost burden. In the meantime, physician offices should address the other barriers. “ROI goes hand in hand with re-engineering practices and workflow to optimize and take advantage of technology,” she said.
“We do have proven business cases,” Griskewicz said, adding that Davies Award Winners are chosen not only for the increase in quality patient care but for the ROI derived from using healthcare IT. The Davies Award Winners in the Ambulatory category announced in October 2008 were Palm Beach Obstetrics and Gynecology PA in Florida, Oklahoma Arthritis Center in Oklahoma City and the Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia, P.C.
“The bottom line today is that EHR adoption among physicians is lagging behind larger hospital system adoption,” she said. There’s a great need for physicians to be educated and work with consultants for implementation in ambulatory practices, she said.
“That’s what we’re about,” Griskewicz said, of HIMSS. “We are dedicated to working with ambulatory practices and doctors to educate them on the true ROI of IT and of the proven quality of care to patients and their communities.”
HIMSS09 will feature the Physicians’ IT Symposium, “Closing the Gap: From Implementation to Safety & Quality,” an all-day event on Saturday, April 4. HIMSS09 also has three sessions dedicated to ambulatory healthcare IT implementation, including “Workflow Management EMR Systems and the Primary Care Physician,” which will be presented by Armand Gonzalzles, MD, of River Point Pediatrics in Chicago, on Sunday, April 5, 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM.