The fact that EHRs can lower costs and improve care quality has been much discussed in the last couple years. But experts believe there are much more significant benefits to adopting the technology.

Quint Studer, the founder of the consulting firm the Studer Group, told Becker's Hospital Review that EHRs can change the culture of a medical practice in a positive way. This may help engage physicians in new ways that prepare them to deliver higher quality care.

"An EMR implementation can be a great opportunity to get physicians and staff more deeply engaged with your organization and more connected to their larger mission," Studer told the news source. "It's a good chance to reinforce the why - to remind them that EMR helps everyone provide better care."

He added that helping physicians understand why EHRs are beneficial increases the likelihood that they will get behind the technology initiative and work to make it as successful as possible.

Jim Otto, a senior principal at the Hay Group, recently wrote for Porter Research that this last point is critical, as physicians who fully understand the importance of EHRs are significantly more likely to use the technology to its full benefit.