The Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records and Health Care Quality. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kern, Lisa M.; Edwards, Alison; Kaushal, Rainu
• Is Part Of: American journal of medical quality. Volume 30:Number 6(2015:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 512
• Page End: 519
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: electronic health records -- ambulatory care -- quality of care; Medical care -- Quality control -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Utilization review -- Periodicals; Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1177/1062860614546547
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1062-8606

Abstract

The federal government is investing approximately $30 billion in incentives for adoption and meaningful use (MU) of electronic health records (EHRs). Whether achieving MU improves quality of care is unclear. The researchers conducted a longitudinal study of 514 primary care physicians in New York State from 2010 to 2011. Quality of care provided by those who achieved stage 1 MU was compared with the quality provided by those who used EHRs but did not achieve stage 1 MU. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine whether receipt of MU incentives was independently associated with performance on 9 MU quality measures. In 2011, 44% of physicians achieved MU and 56% did not. No difference in quality was found between those who achieved stage 1 MU and those who were using EHRs but had not achieved MU. Longer follow-up is needed to observe the full effects of this multistage national policy.