Most physicians believe health IT will drive up costs

Most physicians think that the use of health IT systems ultimately will result in higher costs, according to a report from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. The report found that:

• 73% of U.S. physicians believe that health IT adoption will improve care quality in the long run;
• 71% of believe that health IT adoption ultimately will result in higher costs; and
• About 60% believe that hospital-physician relationships will suffer as hospitals comply with the requirements of the meaningful use program.

Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record systems can qualify for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments. When asked whether they have an EHR system that meets the meaningful use program:

• About two-thirds of all physicians reported having such EHR capabilities;
• 89% of physicians working in an integrated health system reported having such EHR capabilities; and
• 31% of solo physicians reported having such EHR capabilities.

Among physicians who lacked an EHR system, 72% said that the initial technology costs are a barrier to adoption.