title: Electronic health record implementation in outpatient safety-net settings in California.
abstract: Health information technology (HIT) is a cornerstone of health care reform, is critical for transformation of current outpatient practices to patient-centered health homes (PCHHs), and has potential to improve health outcomes. To determine the current level of electronic health record (EHR) implementation in California's outpatient safety-net, we conducted a web-based survey of the California Primary Care Association's member clinics (response rate 127/181 (70%)). Seventy-two (59%) clinics had not implemented electronic health records (EHR), 26 (21%) were all electronic, 23 (19%) were both paper and electronic, and two (2%) had no plans to implement EHR; the remaining four responses are missing. The majority of clinics allotted less than 6% of their budget to health information technology and 64% of those planning on implementing an EHR reported needing additional staff. California's safety net systems are likely to need additional support to successfully benefit from health care reform incentives.
authors.affiliation: Center for Vulnerable Populations at San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, USA.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: López
authors.forename: Andie Martinez
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Vanesscia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: John
authors.forename: Urmimala
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Sarkar
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002140:California; D003625:Data Collection; D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D064876:Safety-net Providers / Q000458:organization & administration*