According to a recent study on 385 randomly selected medical practices by Software Advice, Inc., 40% of EHR buyers are looking to replace their EHR. The desire for better technical support and more integration between applications ranked among the top reasons for replacement.

From the first quarter of 2013 to the first quarter of 2014, the number of buyers seeking EHR replacements grew by a third. Of the 2014 buyers, more than 50% cited cumbersome software, the desire for integration, or inefficiency of prior EHR systems as the reason for seeking new technology.

In the assessment of concerns for new software, it was found that about 40% of buyers were most concerned with strong mobile support. 89% of buyers wanted software that would integrate with other applications, including billing and patient scheduling.

Of those surveyed, 47% were medical practitioners, while 36% were owners or directors. All expressed a desire for a system with government compliance that could be implemented quickly and efficiently. The trend in growth of EHR buyers is expected to continue in coming years.