EHR Adoption By U.S. Hospitals Tripled Between 2009 & 2012

The number of hospitals using electronic health records (EHR) tripled between 2009 and 2012. In 2009, 16% of hospitals had a basic EHR system; by 2012, 56% of hospitals had at least a basic EHR without clinician notes. About 44% of hospitals have adopted a basic EHR with clinician notes; these hospitals will be able to participate in the Stage Two Medicare and Medicaid Meaningful Use incentive programs. Clinician notes were not a needed function for Stage One. A basic EHR has the minimum set of EHR functions needed to qualify for incentive payments through the Medicare and Medicaid Meaningful . . .