In Brief:
As healthcare information technology becomes more sophisticated and widespread adoption of comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) systems becomes more significant, it becomes more important than ever that EHRs fulfill their enormous potential to improve quality of care, enhance patient safety, increase monitoring of chronic disease, and reduce inefficiencies in patient care. One tremendous advantage of EHR systems is that they allow patient information to be readily available even if care is ordered or provided elsewhere. One practice that has successfully created this kind of comprehensive EHR system is a small independent ambulatory practice called the White River Family Practice in White River Junction, Vermont, and it is the subject of this online case study.
