Practices cite financial hurdles to EHR implementation

Out of the 100 primary care physicians recently polled about electronic health record (EHR) systems by Hello Health, roughly 40% cited financial problems as their practice’s biggest hurdle, whereas another 40% listed EHR implementation itself.

Of those who listed financials as their greatest struggle, 51% said they believe EHR implementation will help. Of practices that didn’t believe EHR systems would help address their money problems, 46% said they fear the higher costs and overhead associated with EHR systems, and 15% are worried about decreases in practice productivity.

Hello Health, a subsidiary of Myca Health Inc., offers free practice management and also EHR services to primary care practices. The organization says the most common reasons for anticipating improved financials after implementing an EHR are improved coding and documentation to substantiate claims, followed by improved efficiencies and reduced costs.