Canadian town sets new standard for EMR resistance
I really would not want to live in Sarnia, Ontario. And not because it’s a hardscrabble Rust Belt town directly across the border from the equally hardscrabble—and very depressing—Port Huron, Mich. I wouldn’t want to live there because it might as well be the capital of physician resistance to technology.
According to a story in Canadian Healthcare Technology’s Technology For Doctors, fully half of the 150 physicians in town will choose to retire rather than adopt EMRs. At least that’s what Dr. Kunwar Singh, president of the Lambton County Medical Society, predicts. (Needless to say, Singh is a “veteran” physician, someone who’s been in practice for 42 years.)
The government of Ontario, which runs the single-payer health system in Canada’s most populous province, is offering financial incentives for physicians to switch from paper to electronic records. But like the “meaningful use” program here in the states, the money won’t cover the full cost of EMR conversion. T4D reports that the province will pay for about one-third of the estimated C$75,000 price tag. Unlike here, though, there is almost zero chance private insurers might also come up with incentives of their own at some point in the future. (Yes, Canada does have private health insurance, but it’s supplemental.)
Maybe Sarnia is an exception, but the defenders of the status quo really seem to be digging in their heels. And the losers, as usual, are patients.
AirBus to Detroit and Bus Depot Agent 1967-1992
Owner-Operator M. Peters
I came to Sarnia in 1967 and operated a business until 1992 when I sold it. I met millions of people with all the bus lines coming into Sarnia-Sarlon, Chatham Coach, Cha Co Trails, Greyhound and my bus line Airbus to Detroit. I love Sarnia, the people, the parks, casinos, museum. Thanks to our Mayor Bradley we have new roads, new buildings, new arena, new hospital. I am retired now and intend to remain in Sarnia. There is great train service in Sarnia as well as new bus lines coming in.
If anyone wants information about settling in Sarnia whether you are a doctor, nurse or other professional people you should contact Mayor Mike Bradley-City of Sarnia. He is the one to help anyone settling in Sarnia ON.
Neil, interesting article and a bit unsettling. I think we all know that ADOPTION of new technology is the key, and getting clinicians to do so is critical. Thanks for the info,
-Sheila
John, great article! I have a question, though- what do you mean by the line:
“And the losers, as usual, are patients.” ?
Maybe the doctors are actually standing FOR patients, trying to keep the cost of health care low and affordable, something that would probably not be the case owning an “enterprise” EHR system. The docs are also fighting for their chance at remaining solvent, unshackled by a forced EHR decision which could put them out of business. If they need to close their offices, patients lose too. It’s about time that some docs, somewhere, form an anti-EHR tea party. Bravo for the Canadians that have been brave enough to do so!
Sheila- I don’t see YOU adopting and paying for an EHR system. It’s great when you force the “other guys” (the rich doctors) to do so. I’d much prefer to adopt an ugly dog than adopt an EHR. The dog at least is warm, fuzzy, cheaper, and can’t be used to force me to upload private patient information to some pinhead in Washington, DC!
Al