EHRs alone don't improve care

In response to Joseph Conn's "Stanford researchers find EHRs don't boost care quality":

This research makes sense. The authors mention a lack of training as a probable cause, but I say that is only part of the problem. Implementing an electronic health-record system alone does not improve care.

Improving processes improve care. I have seen an EHR used as a finely tuned tool that helps physicians save lives and keep patients healthier longer. I have seen EHR use as a glorified word processor, bogging down care and causing critical information to be overlooked. Or, yes, as an E&M coder to collect bullets for billing, as a reader suggests here. National policy must not simply reward for implementing technology, but for revolutionizing the way we practice. Let's keep our eyes on the prize: improved care for all.

Dr. Susan Thomas