EMRs Challenging for Small Practices

The use of electronic medical records (EMRs) in small and midsize ambulatory practices can result in many of the same benefits as in large practices, including migration from paper charts, electronic ordering, charge capture, and improvements to patient safety and quality of care as a result of features such as clinical decision support. According to Judy Hanover, research manager with IDC, however, small practices do not see the economies of scale that accrue with process efficiencies upon EMR introduction in larger practices, making the ROI questionable for many small practices. “For small practices, selecting the right EMR and choosing functionality that meets the practice's needs, without creating unnecessary complexity or support costs, are critical,” she says.