IPA experience can inform other practices

A recent examination of independent practice associations' adoption of electronic health records, e-prescribing and other IT systems can provide useful insights for small and midsize physician practices making plans to operate health information technology. The report, "Fostering Health Information Technology in Small Physician Practices: Lessons from Independent Practice Associations," examines how health IT implementation was rolled out at five organizations. A key finding: Identifying physician leaders who can bridge the gap between technology and clinical care is a powerful way to help physicians in small practices overcome barriers to health IT adoption.