The ONC's September 2015 data brief contains information about physician EHR adoption and usage through 2014. Here are eight takeways from the report.
1. In 2014, more than 8 in 10 physicians had adopted some kind of EHR. Of respondents, 83 percent reported using any EHR, 74 percent reported using a certified EHR and 51 percent reported using a basic EHR.
2. While the majority of physicians used most functionalities included in a basic EHR, only 6 in 10 reported viewing imaging results.
3. At 86 percent, the computerized function most physicians reported using was the ability to record patient demographic information.
4. A majority of physicians are using certified EHRs regardless of their participation in the EHR Incentive Program.
5. Of physician respondents, 38 percent said they will not apply or are uncertain of their plans to apply to the CMS EHR Incentive program.
6. At 79 percent, primary care physicians reported the highest rates of adoption for any EHR, followed by medical specialists and surgical specialists, both at 70 percent.
7. Solo practitioners had the lowest rates of adoption for any type of EHR.
8. Physicians in community health centers reported the highest adoption rate for any EHR, but had lower rates for certified and basic EHRs.