Survey: Most U.S. community hospitals embrace EMRs

According to the results of a survey of community hospitals, a considerable majority of community hospitals, those with fewer than 300 beds, have already implemented or are in the process of implementing an EMR system.

The survey’s results were based on questionnaires completed by representatives from 74 community hospitals and returned to Anthelio Healthcare Solutions, a Texas-based health IT services company.

Of the 74 respondents, 23 percent are operating full-functioning EMRs, 69 percent have begun implementing EMRs and only 8 percent have yet to begin implementing or don’t plan to implement EMRs.

According to the survey, costs associated with the acquisition and implementation of EMRs ranged from less than $1 million to more than $8 million with 39 percent of respondents reporting costs higher than $8 million; 19 percent reporting costs between $5 and $7.9 million; 19 percent reporting costs between $3 and $4.9 million; 19 percent reporting costs between $1 and $2.9 million; and 9 percent reporting costs under $1 million.

Hospitals engaging in EMR implementation are entitled to federal reimbursements of costs as part of meaningful use incentives, but, according to the survey, reimbursements rates vary: 44 percent of respondents reported a reimbursement rate less than 35 percent; 44 percent reported a reimbursement rate between 35 and 65 percent; and 17 percent reported a reimbursement rate higher than 65 percent.

The survey’s results also show enthusiasm for participation in health information exchanges (HIEs): 43 percent of respondents are currently enrolled in an HIE, 28 percent would like to participate in an HIE and 29 percent are not currently enrolled in an HIE and did not indicate that they would have a future interest in enrollment.