Although most practices have adopted some form of EHR, a survey from the American Academy of Family Physicians discovered who makes up the corps of physicians who refuse to adopt EHRs.
These physicians tend to be older and work in independent solo or two-physician practices, according to the AAFP. The survey included 3,437 physicians during two time periods — from October 2011 to March 2012 and between May and July 2013 — and asked about EHR adoption plans.
Approximately 9 percent of surveyed physicians had no plans to adopt an EHR within either reporting period. The AAFP applied the label "persistent nonadopters" to this group and expressed concern that this group will further isolate themselves by refusal to adopt.
"Failure to address the needs of these physicians has implications beyond adoption because new models of healthcare delivery require the use of an EHR," researchers said in the report.
However, the researchers predicted a surge in EHR interest for nonadopters because the penalty phase of the meaningful use program is approaching, and as more of the medical community adopts EHRs, nonadopters will not be able to participate in fmany modern medical practices. Nonadopters also consistently rely on fee-for-service payment models, which are gradually being phased out for value-based payment models under federal regulations, according to the report.