Electronic Health Records May Prove too Costly for Doctors |
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A news article released by the New York Times suggests that economics may play the leading role in the low rate of electronic health care adoption. Fewer than one in five doctors within the United States are utilizing an EHR system as many are not prepared to take on the financial burden that implementing the system would entail. The transition, including purchasing software and technical support, could cost an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000 per doctor as stated by Dr. Paul Feldan, a primary care physician in New Jersey who decided against investing in the new system. In addition, during this transitional time there would be a lag in the number of patients that could be seen therefore creating an even larger financial deficit. Once the system is in place however, physicians report an ability to make improved clinical decisions, provide improved preventative care, and decrease medication errors. As doctors throughout the U.S. weigh the costs and benefits of an EHR system in their own practices, the government is currently actively involved in researching ways to accelerate the implementation process. |
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