Small physician practices are less likely than large medical groups to have the resources needed to purchase health information technology (IT) systems to help them deliver safer, more efficient care. In an article in the new issue of Health Affairs, Commonwealth Fund–supported researchers report on ways in which the new regional extension centers authorized by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can help these practices adopt electronic health records and redesign their systems to make the most effective use of the technology.
