Smaller practices have historically been slower to adopt EHR systems, as they lack the technical expertise and other resources that many larger institutions have to devote to the purpose. However, with growing resources available to practices of all sizes, some experts are predicting that 2012 could be a big year for small practice EHR implementation.

Commentator Ken Terry recently pointed out in a column on Fierce Health IT that more than 100,000 physicians have already signed up to receive consulting services from the government's regional extension centers. The majority of these providers may operate smaller practices.

Furthermore, EHR vendors of all sizes have started marketing their products to small practices, as there is growing recognition that these physicians may represent a major new market for the products. EHR vendors typically offer implementation advice and support in order to make sure the process goes according to plan.

Given these converging trends, Terry said "2012 could well be the Year of the Small Practice in the health IT world."

A recent article appearing in the journal Health Affairs reported that when given adequate support, smaller practices can reap the same benefits of using EHRs as larger organizations.