To continue getting breaking news and the full stories from The Boston Globe, subscribe today.

The Boston Globe

Health & wellness

Boston.com

G Cover

Medical care shifting to electronic data files

Electronic health records are being used in hospitals and doctors’ offices. So how are they doing? Do the e-records protect and promote patient safety?

By Chelsea Conaboy

 |  Globe Staff  

  April 30, 2012

One in 10 outpatient doctors in the United States began using electronic health records in 2011, helped along by the promise of $27 billion in incentives from the federal government. Doctors in Massachusetts have been quicker than those in other states to adopt the new systems, with about 44 percent of outpatient physicians using them as of last year. Now, some involved in health information technology say it is time to focus more attention on making sure the systems are safe.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help