In order to encourage more rapid adoption of EHR systems, the Department of Health and Human Services recently announced it would delay a deadline for meeting the next round of meaningful use rules. What impact do physicians believe the move will have on adoption rates?

According to a recent survey conducted by Healthcare IT News, 58 percent of providers believe the extension of the meaningful use Stage 2 deadline will provide a significant boost to adoption rates. Many physicians have complained about the tight deadlines of the program, but the new rules could make it easier to comply with all regulations.

In announcing the extension of the deadline, HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius noted that rates of EHR adoption had doubled in the two years that the incentive program had been operating. However, she also said that overall levels of technology use remain unacceptably low and stronger efforts are needed to encourage use.

The survey results indicate that the delayed deadline may provide a strong incentive for more physicians to participate in the EHR incentive program. This may lead to the higher adoptions rates sought by HHS.