United States Healthcare Statistics and Adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

The annual US expenditures on Healthcare is estimated to be $2.3 Trillion, or 17% of Gross Domestic Product. This figure is expected to double over the next eight years. The approximate number of physicians in the US is 900,000 (including non-Federal). Estimates on those physicians who have adopted a component of EMR functionality varies wildly, averaging 10%. Healthcare related cost per person is $6,700 annually. Related insurance premiums have increased more than 100% over the past 10 years.

The use of Healthcare Information Technology to aid in increasing care and decreasing costs is a primary focus of initiatives endorsed by the US Department of Health and Human services. Physicians adopting a “meaningful use” EMR will be provided financial incentives to do so. Currently, there are financial incentives in place for utilizing
“e-Prescribing” systems.

A “meaningful use” Electronic Medical Record system should possess the following components:

Exchange information electronically to improve quality and efficient coordination of patient care, Perform e-Prescribing functionality, and have the ability to be “data-mined” to report on PQRI (Quality Reporting) and other measures

Other considerations to a fully functioning EMR may include:

Scan and archive existing paper records for retrieval and access, e-Prescribe medications, Document and capture a doctor-patient encounter electronically, Provide privacy of a patients data at all times, Provide more timely and current Healthcare coverage and insurance information to avoid billing , Provide a device or access to an online service for a patient to carry or access their Personal Health Record information On Demand.

For move information, visit www.myEMRchoice.com