Physicians using EHR systems which meet Meaningful Use criteria are reporting significant timesaving benefits, according to a report published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). 

The physicians surveyed by NCHS reported improved efficiencies with e-prescribing, lab results and having to spend less time replying to pharmacy calls. 

The data came from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and included physicians who have adopted an EHR system. The survey, which was funded by the ONC, looked at respondents for a three-year period from 2011 to 2013. The sample included nonfederal, office-based physicians and did not include anesthesiologists, radiologists and pathologists. 

The findings suggest most physicians have experienced a lot of clinical and financial benefits as well as practice efficiencies from using EHR systems. Additionally, physicians using an EHR system that meets Meaningful Use criteria also reported timesaving benefits.

82% of physicians using an EHR meeting MU criteria reported that sending prescriptions electronically saves time, compared to 67% of physicians using an EHR not meeting MU criteria. 75% of physicians said they receive lab results faster with an EHR that meets MU criteria, compared to 61% of physicians in the non-MU EHR group.

Respondents in both groups said the amount of time spent to plan, review, order and document care has increased (76% in the MU group, and 78% in the non-MU group).

More doctors in the non-MU group (34%) than in the MU group (28%) said the time spent responding to pharmacy calls has increased.

The survey also looked at clinical and financial benefits derived from using EHR technology.
·         Both groups (94% of MU EHR users and 91% on non-MU EHR users) said their EHR makes records more readily available at the point of care.

·         75% of MU EHR users said the technology allows them to deliver better patient care, compared to 69% in the non-MU group.

·         70% of MU EHR users said their EHR enhances data confidentiality, compared to 60% in the non-MU group.

·         50% of MU EHR users said their EHR disrupts the way they interact with patients, while 60% of non-MU EHR users said the same.

Want to achieve Meaningful Use benefits? Download an EHR White Paper and get paid for using a certified EHR technology.