This data brief from the National Center for Health Statistics reports on the levels of use of electronic health records among ambulatory physician practices, based on 2010 and 2011 responses to the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.
• In 2011, 57% of office-based physicians used electronic medical record/electronic health record (EMR/EHR) systems, with use by state ranging from 40% in Louisiana to 84% in North Dakota.
• About one-third of physicians (34%) reported having a system that met the criteria for a basic system, ranging by state from 16% in New Jersey to 61% in Minnesota.
• In 2011, 52% of physicians reported intending to apply for meaningful use incentives, up from 41% in 2010.
• In 2010, 43% of physicians planning to apply for meaningful use incentives had computerized systems that would allow them to meet eight Stage 1 Core Set objectives, with percentages by state ranging from 26% in Texas to 70% in Wisconsin.
Ignatius Bau 