Progress With Electronic Health Record Adoption

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 provides incentive payments to eligible hospitals and providers that demonstrate the meaningful use of a certified electronic health record (EHR) system.

A new report describes the adoption of EHRs in hospital emergency departments (EDs) and outpatient departments (OPDs) from 2006 through 2011 using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Key Findings from the Report:

• In 2011, 84% of hospital emergency departments used an electronic health record system.
• Adoption of a basic EHR system with a specific set of functionalities by EDs increased from 19% in 2007 to 54% in 2011.
• In 2011, 73% of hospital outpatient departments used an EHR system, up from 29% in 2006.
• Adoption of a basic EHR system with a specific set of functionalities by OPDs increased from 9% in 2007 to 57% in 2011.
• From 2007 through 2011, adoption of Stage 1 Meaningful Use objectives by EDs and OPDs increased.
• In 2011, 14% of EDs and 16% of OPDs had EHR technology able to support nine Stage 1 Meaningful Use objectives.