The use of electronic health records and other health IT tools is not just important for participating in the government's meaningful use tools. Technology is increasingly being seen as a vital element of the future of medicine.

For example, the American Board of Medical Specialties recently decided to recognize a subspecialty in clinical informatics. The board hopes to start administering tests for certification by the fall of 2012 and to begin certifying professionals by the spring of 2013.

Officials from the group said it was high time for there to be an official recognition for doctors working in health IT given the facts that federal programs are pushing for the adoption of technology and many experts believe these tools are key for improving quality.

"It is entirely appropriate and timely to certify clinical informatics as a specialized area of training and expertise in an era when more and more clinicians are turning to data-driven, computer-assisted clinical decision support to provide care for their patients," said Nancy M. Lorenzi, the board of directors chair of the American Medical Informatics Association, which will develop the certification criteria.