Title: An examination of the financial feasibility of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs): a case study of tangible and intangible benefits

Authors: Steven John Simon, Stuart Jay Simon

Addresses: Stetson School of Business and Economics, Mercer University, 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. ' Georgia Lung Associates, P.C., 535 Maxham Road, Suite A, Austell, GA 30168, USA

Abstract: Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and associated systems have existed in various forms for almost ten years, yet they are still considered in their infancy sporting low adoption rates in US hospitals and physician practices. One of the key barriers to the adoption of these systems has been the concerns of healthcare providers that the system will not provide sufficient Return On Investment (ROI). This study examines the success of one medium-sized physician practice with the selection, implementation and ROI of an EMR. This study demonstrates that an EMR can provide both tangible (monetary) and intangible (clinical/quality of care) returns for the healthcare provider.

Keywords: electronic medical records; EMR; adoption; return on investment; ROI; system payback; benefits; barriers; electronic health records; quality of care; financial feasibility; electronic healthcare; e-healthcare.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEH.2006.008832

International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2006 Vol.2 No.2, pp.185 - 200

Published online: 27 Jan 2006 *

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