Doctor's Point Of View: Benefits of EMR Istallation

The last post covered a survey conducted on how patients feel about the benefits of EMR installation.   Many patients have their concerns regarding information security and whether an electronic system will benefit them at all.  Last week, Software Advice posted a survey aimed at doctors, asking them their opinion about the benefits of electronic medical records.

The Austin-based consulting firm Software Advice put out a 20 question survey for doctors who have already installed an EMR system in their office or hospital.  The questions are bunched into two groups, one covering the productivity and financial benefits and the other covering the improvements of quality of care.  Questions include (on a scale of 1-5) whether or not they have experienced fewer medical errors, if it improves the coordination of treatment between multiple health care providers and whether or not it reduces administrative staff expenses.

Unlike the patient-focused Harris Interactive survey whose doctors have yet to attest, this survey is targeted at medical professionals who were some of the first to attest to the Medicare/Medicaid incentive this year.  The results will be posted in two weeks.  In the meantime, doctors: be heard and take the survey to tell Software Advice what you think!