One of the most important benefits of EHR systems is that they enable physicians to access patient data at any time, from any location. This may be particularly useful for rural physicians, who often live many miles from their office.

Karen Smith, who runs a practice in Raeford, North Carolina, recently told the ONC's Health IT Buzz that this was one of the main up-sides that drew her to the technology. Before EHR implementation she was spending all day and all night at her practice. Now, she has greater flexibility to review lab results over the weekend or get other tasks done.

"As physicians, we're under such pressure, not only from our patient population but also from our personal lives and our families," she said. "With an EHR, I'm able to take care of more patients than I had previously been able to, and not diminish the quality of care for those patients. And I can still live a balanced lifestyle."

The ONC recently made $20 million worth of technical assistance grants available to rural practices. The money will help fund regional extension centers.