Clinical Information Technology Gaps Persist Among Physicians

Originally published by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC), 2006.

Persistent Gaps in Clinical Information Technology Among Physicians

Despite growing policy attention to health information technology and early federal incentive programs, significant gaps in clinical IT adoption persisted among physicians, according to HSC research. While the proportion of physicians using some form of clinical IT had increased, many practices still lacked basic electronic capabilities for functions that experts considered essential for high-quality, efficient care.

The digital divide in physician practices reflected multiple barriers. The cost of IT systems remained a significant obstacle, particularly for smaller practices and those serving higher proportions of publicly insured or uninsured patients whose reimbursement rates made it difficult to generate the revenue needed to invest in technology. Physicians in solo and small group practices were the least likely to have clinical IT, creating a paradox: the practices with the fewest resources to manage complex patient information were the ones most likely to lack the technological tools that could help. The research supported the case for targeted assistance programs that could help close the IT gap and accelerate the transition to electronic health care delivery.

Sources and Further Reading

Center for Studying Health System Change, "Clinical Information Technology Gaps Persist Among Physicians" (2006).