Primary-care docs lead pack for EHR money

Primary-care physicians are the clinicians most likely to seek early reimbursement from the federal government for the adoption of electronic health-record systems, according to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics.

Data from the 2010 survey were discussed by Dr. David Blumenthal, head of HHS' Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, at a news briefing in Washington on Thursday.

"This latest survey reveals that primary-care physicians have broken out of the pack," Blumenthal said.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 established the incentive program through which doctors and hospitals can receive payments for the adoption and meaningful use of EHR systems.

Ultimately, Blumenthal said, most physicians "in the prime of their practice" and hospitals are likely to participate in the EHR incentive program.

Stephen Lieber, president and CEO of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, said he expects "close to 100%" of hospitals will end up participating in the program.

"Especially with the penalty phases that kick in down the line, I don't see how any hospital can afford not to participate," Lieber said.

About 8,300 hospitals and physicians have registered with the program through the CMS since registration opened Jan. 3, according to a CMS spokesman.