Nearly three-quarters of hospitals (75.5 percent) have adopted basic EHRs as of 2014, a 27 percent increase from 2013, according to ONC data.
The ONC defines a basic EHR as one that offers and includes patient demographics, problem lists, medication lists, discharge summaries, CPOE, lab reports, radiology reports and diagnostic test results. The basic EHR may or may not include clinician notes from physicians and nurses.
For comparison, a comprehensive EHR includes all the aforementioned functions and more. Additionally, a comprehensive EHR is one implemented in all clinical units, while a basic EHR requires each function to be included in at least one unit. Approximately 96.9 percent of hospitals have a certified EHR. According the ONC data brief, hospitals may have a certified EHR in their possession, but it is not equivalent to adoption of the EHR.
The ONC outlines the states that have the highest and lowest rates of basic EHR adoption.
States with highest basic EHR adoption rates
- Delaware: 100 percent
- South Dakota: 95.1 percent
- Virginia: 93.2 percent
- Arkansas: 91.1 percent
- Maryland: 90.7 percent
States with lowest basic EHR adoption rates
- West Virginia: 49.6 percent
- Hawaii: 55 percent
- Kansas: 60 percent
- Kentucky: 65 percent
- Missouri: 68.5 percent
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