The Obama administration was and still is very optimistic about their healthcare program; citing that by the end of 2014 every American would effectively have shifted to Electronic Health Records. The adoption rate in the US has been staggering, however small and single provider practices have always lagged behind.

This had remained consistent as large corporations and hospitals were able to make the shift much quicker with the resources at their disposal; whereas historically, small practices just didn't have the financial and human capital required for the transition.

However in a recent research conducted by SK&A, it was the solo and the two physician practices that showed the most improvement. Single providers had shown an overall adoption growth of 6.1% in the last half of 2011 with two physician practices following suit with 5.5%.

"Typically, it's been the larger practices that have led the bunch, because they've had the most support and the most wherewithal, so this growth really is significant," says Jack Schember, the marketing director for SK&A.

The solo (55%) and two physician practices (16.6) account for almost 72% of all practices in the US and thus play a pivotal role in the government's healthcare plan. Schember believes that the increase in the adoption rate for small practices is mainly attributable to the incentive payments and the federal funding of regional extension centers aiding providers in achieving meaningful use. "Because they are one- and two-doctor practices, this money means a lot to them." said Schember.

But in spite of the government backing the adoption, there are a lot of physicians that still remain alienated with EMRs and the rules governing EMR incentives. The SK&A survey concluded that 21% of those surveyed were not even aware of the government incentive program.

The ONC, which is a client of SK&A stated that "Reaching small practices with limited resources is difficult, and [the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology] has recommended that RECs start by focusing on the most at-risk communities."

EHR vendors also realize the opportunity within the small practice market and established vendors are setting the standard for an affordable solution through SaaS (Software as a Service) models. Cloud based EMR effectively eliminates the need for expensive hardware and software enabling providers to get an affordable solution with even better accessibility.

Top CCHIT certified EMR are now available for as low as $395/month with free training, hosting, support, maintenance, upgrades, security and backup. With the Cloud based models holding the door open for the small practices, finding the right fit is only a matter of time. Better late than never!