title: Disparities in Primary Care EHR Adoption Rates.
abstract: This study evaluates electronic health record (EHR) adoption by primary care providers in Georgia to assess adoption disparities according to practice size and type, payer mix, and community characteristics. Frequency variances of EHR "Go Live" status were estimated. Odds ratios were calculated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Large practices and community health centers (CHCs) were more likely to Go Live (>80% EHR adoption) than rural health clinics and other underserved settings (53%). A significantly lower proportion (68.9%) of Medicaid predominant providers had achieved Go Live status and had a 47% higher risk of not achieving Go Live status than private insurance predominant practices. Disparities in EHR adoption rates may exacerbate existing disparities in health outcomes of patients served by these practices. Targeted support such as that provided to CHCs would level the playing field for practices now at a disadvantage.
authors: National Center for Primary Care (NCPC) and Family Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
authors: Dominic
authors: D
authors: Mack
authors: NCPC.
authors: Shun
authors: S
authors: Zhang
authors: NCPC.
authors: Megan
authors: M
authors: Douglas
authors: Family Medicine.
authors: Charles
authors: C
authors: Sow
authors: Family Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine.
authors: Harry
authors: H
authors: Strothers
authors: NCPC and Family Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine.
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Rust
keywords: Health information technology; Medicaid; electronic health records; health disparities