PP: With all of the recent discussion concerning healthcare reform and “paying for results,” do you see a drive toward electronic forms in the near future? Why or why not?
Magdaleno: It’s important to note that although an electronic insurance billing claim form may start out in electronic format, 50 percent of the time that claim will require clarification, corrections or an attachment to be completed. So the paper aspect is not omitted completely. Over the last 10 years, the ratio of filing electronic versus paper [filing] are uniquely the same with 60 percent electronic and 40 percent paper. I was surprised by what I found out over the [last] 10 years of my research. Nine percent of small practices—one to five doctors—are using electronic health records; 91 percent are not. [In addition,] 51 percent of large practices—50 or more doctors—are using electronic health records; 49 percent are not. This data includes diagnosis, prescription filing and electronic billing.
- Companies:
- TFP Data Systems
- Wilmer
- People:
- Jessica Wenz
- Jim Magdaleno