State lawmakers across the country are calling on physicians to adopt electronic health records at a faster rate, as this will play an important role in containing costs, according to a new report.

The National Conference of State Legislatures recently published its list of top priorities for 2012. Containing healthcare costs was cited as a key to avoiding future budget deficits. EHRs are expected to figure prominently in these efforts.

"EHRs, once fully implemented, are expected to provide doctors and health professionals with easier access to patient histories and data, resulting in cost-savings and better health outcomes by removing costly errors and duplications in services," the report states.

The statement also underscores the benefits for states of establishing their own health information exchanges. These networks will allow Medicaid providers in the state to quickly and easily access critical information on patients, thereby reducing inefficiencies and improving quality.

Many state budgets are currently in the best shape they have been since the beginning of the recession, but the report points out that lawmakers must continue efforts to keep government finances in order. Encouraging the adoption of EHRs could help further this goal.