Once physicians go electronic, they discover many benefits, said Charles Parker, vice president and chief technology officer for Masspro, a health care performance improvement organization founded by the Massachusetts Medical Society. “In 99% of clinics, you can see return on investment in EHR within 2 years. And in some best cases, you see ROI in 90 days.”
In studying physician practices in Massachusetts, he said the big savings come from reduced need for transcription services, fewer redundant lab tests, swifter claims processing, and fewer days for claims in accounts receivable. He also noted that Medicare and Medicaid in his state include financial incentives for physicians to comply with formulary guidelines, and this is far easier to do and to document in an EHR-based office.