Canada reaps major benefits from using EHR systems

Anthony Brino | Government Health IT | April 23, 2013

As some U.S. lawmakers still remain skeptical about the long-term value of federal health IT investments, a PricewaterhouseCoopers report on EHRs in Canadian physician practices pegs the efficiency and patient benefit value at about $1.3 billion since 2006.

Based on a review of existing literature and primary research, the PwC study found that EHRs have saved Canadian primary care and office-based specialists about $800 million in administrative efficiencies, with staff time and resources freed-up from paperwork.

Reductions in duplicate tests and adverse drug events were estimated to save about $584 million, along with improved provider-to-provider and provider-to-patient communications and expanded preventative care from EHR population health tools.

Most physicians surveyed did in fact cite significant benefits...

Open Health News' Take: 

Given the vast number of additional hospitals, clinics, and private practices in the U.S., everyone truly knows the tangible benefits to this country will be tremendous over the long term. Kudos to the last several administrations for keeping up the pressure and continuing to push for the use of EHR systems across the U.S.    -  Peter Groen, Senior Editor, OHNews