Consumers see EMRs as factor in choosing MDs

Does it matter whether you roll out an EMR system now or later? Apparently, it does to some consumers. According to a new study by Accenture, the majority of consumers give at least some weight to whether a physician uses an EMR when choosing a practice--and what's more, most are willing to pay more to such practices. To draw these conclusions, Accenture surveyed 600 U.S. consumers and interviewed more than 100 physicians. Two-thirds of consumers surveyed said that the presence of an EMR was at least slightly important in choosing a doctor, and just over half said they would be willing to pay more for EMR use if it wasn't too expensive. Consumers who favored EMRs said that, among other factors, they liked the idea of having greater control over their own records and felt the records would help them ask better questions.

To learn more about the study:
- read this press release from Accenture

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MDs, vendors clash over EMR access. Report