The percentage of medical offices using EHRs/EMRs is skyrocketing. In December 2012 a report was released comparing the percentage of offices using electronic health record usage from 2001 to 2012.
Because of the HITECH Act, passed in 2009, offices using EHR/EMR systems can receive incentives from Medicaid and Medicare if they can prove "meaningful usage" of the system.
Here are some interesting stats from the report:
- "In 2012, 72% of office-based physicians used electronic medical record or electronic health record (EMR/EHR) systems."
- "In 2012, 66% of office-based physicians reported that they planned to apply, or already had applied, for "meaningful use" incentives"
- "The percentage of physicians who had systems meeting the criteria for a basic system, by state and the District of Columbia, ranged from 22% in the District of Columbia to 71% in Wisconsin."
All in all, it looks like EHR/EMR system usage is rising drastically. By the time students get out of medical/nursing school, being able to do electronic charting will be nearly impossible to avoid.
Might as well start learning now :)