SAN FRANCISCO – The overwhelming majority of Americans believe doctors using a computer system, rather than paper, to store their records provides them with better care, according to a new survey.

The survey of 1,004 adults was conducted by GfK Roper on behalf of Practice Fusion, a San Francisco-based EHR provider.

The survey found no measurable change in the percentage of physicians reported by patients to be using a computer in 2010 vs. 2011. Although CDC reports have indicated increased adoption, 90 percent of physicians are still not using a complete EHR today.

[See also: Study: 14.6 percent of docs are not eligible for MU, don't have an EHR.]

Key facts of the survey:

• Forty-nine percent of patients report their physician used an EHR during their last office visit (unchanged from report in February 2010).
• Seventy-eight percent of patients whose doctors used an EHR believe the computer system helps their doctor deliver better care.
• Thirty-eight percent of patients whose doctors use paper charts would like their doctor to "go digital."

[See also: Study: EHRs and CDS don't improve care.]

"It's 2011, and patients want their healthcare to reflect the fact we're in the 21st century," said Ryan Howard, CEO of Practice Fusion. "They want to have prescriptions sent electronically, to receive email appointment reminders and to review past diagnoses and upcoming appointments online."