Larger medical practices increasingly are more satisfied with their electronic health record products and vendors, according to Black Book's latest annual user satisfaction poll, revealed June 6.
The survey of 1,788 leaders of larger group practices, independent practice associations (IPAs) and multispecialty clinics found that the dissatisfaction reported in the past has been "reversed." For instance, in 2013, 92 percent of multispecialty groups were dissatisfied with their EHR products and vendors; in 2015, 84 percent of physician practices of more than 25 practitioners believed their vendor to be meeting or exceeding expectations for EHR optimization. Eighty-eight percent of administrative staff also reported improvements in operational or financial capabilities of their EHR and practice management software.
The three vendors that ranked highest in large group practice overall satisfaction and client loyalty in 2016 were:
- Allscripts, for group practices of 26-99 physicians, group practices of over 100 physicians and IPAs
- Marshfield Clinic Information Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marshfield Clinic, for multispecialty clinics
- Athenahealth, for practices of 11-25 physicians
This is the third consecutive year that Allscripts was ranked No. 1 among provider groups with 26 or more practitioners and with IPAs. Athenahealth also earned its third consecutive top rankings in the six-10 and 11-25 physician group categories.
Still, providers aren't completely satisfied. The lack of interoperability remains a problem for 33 percent of providers; 29 percent of vendors also said they have not made major efforts to improve complex implementation and training processes.
The survey also reported that smaller practices are disadvantaged when it comes to health IT resources and likely will merge or enter joint ventures in order to deal with valued-base care and the need for better health IT support.
To learn more:
- here's the announcement