Toward Understanding EHR Use in Small Physician Practices

This article presents insights into the use of electronic health records (EHRs) by small physician practices participating in a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services pay-for-performance demonstration. Site visits to four states revealed slow movement toward improved EHR use. Factors facilitating use of EHRs include customization of products and being owned by a larger organization. Factors limiting use include system limitations, cost, and lack of strong incentives to improve. Many practices also increased use of medical assistants after implementing EHRs.