EMRs show promise in easing malpractice cost

After years of hope and speculation, healthcare providers finally are seeing some evidence electronic medical records can ease the risk of malpractice suits and the burden of liability insurance costs. In a survey from the Boston-based Medical Records Institute, 45% of physician practices said EMRs reduce their vulnerability to malpractice suits, and nearly one in five reported that their malpractice insurer offers a discount for EHR usage.

Likewise, close to 20% of respondents said they have been involved in a malpractice case in which an EMR provided documentation, and 55% of this group believed the EMR was helpful in fighting the suit.

The results may not be indicative of all physician practices, since 62% of survey takers said they have an EMR, while most credible estimates put non-hospital physician adoption rates at far less than 20%.

For details:
- Check out this Health Data Management story. Article
- See the Medical Records Institute press release.

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