Electronic health records mean fewer tests: study

Chicago Tribune, March 29, 2012

BEI Commentary: Many of you have read about the recent recommendations regarding unnecessary tests and images. On that same topic, there is a related question as to whether or not EHRs can help reduce the number of tests ordered on the theory that more information is available to the provider at the point of care. According to this article, the answer is yes, but with an asterisk. The asterisk is that the EHR needs to be connected to an exchange (which is one of the major themes of Meaningful Use Stage 2), in order to see the benefit.

Doctors order fewer lab tests when they have access to a patient’s electronic medical records, according to a new study, but the efficiency may be confined to state-of-the-art records exchanges for now.

The new study is based on the experience of two hospitals — Brigham and Women’s and Massachusetts General — that form Partners HealthCare, a not-for-profit healthcare system in Boston. The findings are at odds with another recent study. Read More