Copyright 2007 Gale Group, Inc.All Rights ReservedASAPCopyright 2007 Ascend Media Imaging Economics October 1, 2007
SECTION: Pg. 23(1) Vol. 20 No. 10
ACC-NO: 169308942
LENGTH: 451 words
HEADLINE: Survey says EMRs lessen malpractice risk; Survey
BYLINE: Valance, Nikos
The Medical Records Institute (MRI) has issued the results of a joint survey with Professional Risk Associates (PRA) regarding the relationship of electronic medical records (EMRs) to malpractice risk.
The joint survey sought information regarding the adoption of EMRsin physician practices and the impact of EMR usage on patient safetyand malpractice risk. Respondents from 115 practices in 27 specialties representing 36 states completed the Internet-based survey, which was conducted from March 21 to June 30, 2007.
Of the 62% of respondents with EMR systems, more than two thirds have stand-alone systems (not part of a regional or hospital system) and have had the systems for more than a year. A physician was identified as the "Power User" by almost half of the practices with an EMR system, and nearly two thirds indicated their providers fully use the system. Approximately a quarter of those who have EMR systems complained the system does not have the functions they need, and a similar percentage stated they did not receive adequate training.
Nearly 20% of respondents stated their malpractice insurer offers a discount for having an EMR system, and close to half (45%) believe EMRs will make them less vulnerable to malpractice cases. Among the almost one fifth who have had a malpractice case in which documentation was based on the EMR, over half (55%) said the EMR was helpful.
"This is an important first survey on the current status of EMRs and their impact on malpractice risk," said C. Peter Waegemann, CEO, Medical Records Institute. "It shows the need to address EMR system usage, training, and legality."
"These survey results are a great tool for medical malpractice insurance carriers to begin researching the impact of EMR functions on malpractice claims," advised Bob Meadows, executive vice president, Professional Risk Associates. "We are excited to be in the forefront ofthis initiative and intend to continue working with our physicians and carriers to help reduce medical errors that lead to malpractice litigation and to encourage our carriers to develop discounting programs for physicians who properly use EMR technology."
MRI serves as an international forum for sharing knowledge, experience, and solutions with the health care community at large, but especially with health care practitioners, as well as professionals in health information technology (HIT) and health information management (HIM).
PRA is an independent insurance agency that focuses on professional liability for health care providers and is leading an initiative that seeks to improve the efficiency of medical practices and reduce medical errors that lead to malpractice litigation through the use of EMRs.
LOAD-DATE: October 31, 2007
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