1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
Special Report: Electronic Health Records Market Poised for Influx of Billions in Federal Stimulus Funds
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Oct. 15, 2010
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The story examined how the influx of $27 billion in federal stimulus funding may impact the electronic health records (EHR) market over the next three to five years. The relatively new EHR market, which is currently fragmented among 500 separate companies, will likely see major consolidation, with a few key players emerging as the dominant EHR vendors. Moreover, hospitals and physicians planning to purchase EHR systems need to be aware that market consolidation could also result in the elimination of some vendors, with the corresponding loss of system support.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
The story relied principally on interviews with key players in the EHR industry. However, in several instances, leading market analysts contacted for the story agreed to release their firm's market data and studies to BNA.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
Sources used in the story included primarily EHR market analysts
6. Results (if any).
n/a
7. Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
The story was well-received and we have not received any requests for correction.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
This is a very interesting area but somewhat hidden from public view because of the proprietary nature of much of the information used by market analysts.