Will electronic records actually increase health costs?

Much has been made of the ability of EMRs to save money through increased efficiency.

Cardiologist Dr. Wes doesn’t believe it, as these digital systems make it much easier to order tests as well. Alerts and clinical pathways abound that make ordering expensive tests and consults as simple as clicking a mouse.

So in this case, “efficiency” has the potential to balloon spending, as “panels of tests and consults medications are ordered automatically with just one click rather than ordering them individually.”