EMRs may improve data flow, but they hinder interpersonal communication

One problem with EMRs that often gets overlooked is perhaps the most obvious element of all: there's a computer in the exam room that wasn't there before.

An EMR may improve data flow and access, but it doesn't guarantee better communication for physicians with their patients and fellow health professionals. Consider a recent Center for Studying Health System Change report that concluded current EMR systems aren't all that good for care coordination.

My feeling is, EMRs are fine for care coordination--if they're designed to be user-friendly and if doctors actually use them properly. (See also: "meaningful use.") Read more in FierceEMR