OAKLAND, CA – While nearly half of all physicians in California use an electronic medical record, according to a new report from the California HealthCare Foundation, uptake is still slow among solo and small physician practices.

For example, only 20 percent of solo practices, and less than 40 percent of small group practices (two to five MDs), have implemented electronic health records (EHRs) in their practices. With retirements and practice consolidation, these smaller physician groups are becoming less prevalent in California and across the nation.

[See also: Docs fear productivity loss with EHRs.]

Among the highlights of the new snapshot:

•  A larger percentage of physicians reported access to EHRs and ordering systems than reported in 2008. In general, the larger the practice, the more likely it is to use HIT tools.
• Use of physician support tools, particularly for medication orders, has become more widespread among physicians.
• Seventy-seven percent of physician practices have implemented technology to view lab, radiology, and other diagnostic test results.
• Just 39 percent of all practices have implemented automated systems to generate patient follow-up reminders for clinicians.
• While 40 percent of practices have implemented systems that allow physicians to communicate with patients via email, only 30 percent of physicians in those practices are routinely doing so.
• Community clinics saw tremendous growth in HIT use over the last six years. In 2005, 3 percent of clinics reported having an EHR; in the most recent survey, nearly half reported having implemented one.

[See also: IT seen as allaying risks connected with nurse, doc shortage.]

Read the complete report.