Radiologists may benefit from educating themselves about the government's meaningful use incentive program, as a new report indicates that many do not have the knowledge necessary to qualify for the initiative.

The vast majority of radiologists are eligible for participating in the incentive program, but the new report from healthcare research company KLAS and the Radiological Society of North America indicates that only 6 percent report being knowledgeable enough about the program to meet all its requirements.

Despite the lack of knowledge, 60 percent currently plan on participating at some stage, and 25 percent are currently engaged in planning for EHR implementation. The researchers who conducted the survey said more education among these providers could help them qualify for the program sooner.

"These numbers should be a wakeup call for the radiology industry. Most radiologists are Eligible Providers," said Emily Crane, KLAS research director and author of the report. "Getting educated and involved with meaningful use can't wait."

She added that she hopes future stages of the meaningful use rules will take into consideration the unique demands on radiological practices in order to support higher adoption rates among these providers.