Almost half of CT physicians are using electronic medical records

A new survey from the CDC finds that 48% of office-based physicians in CT are using some form of an electronic medical record/health record (EMR, EHR) this year, just under the national average (50.7%). State rates varied from 38% (KY) to 80% (MN). But only 10% of US physicians have fully functional EMRs; most are using basic systems. The national rate has been increasing since 2003 when it was 17%. Interoperable electronic health information is a critical driver of health care system reform in our state, will improve patient safety and is one of the few ways to save money in the system that improves efficiency and does not involve shifting costs between stakeholders, most often onto consumers.
Ellen Andrews