Emails and Letters

(Initial email invitation to take web survey)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 1 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

You have been randomly selected to participate in a brief survey on the adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. Your email address was obtained from a database of physicians. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), a federal statistical agency, collects data from physicians to help health services, researchers, and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments and related topics.

Participation in this ~20-minute survey is voluntary, and you may stop at any time. You are not being asked to provide patient information. All information we collect is for statistical purposes only. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators.

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k).

The easiest and most efficient way to respond is over the Internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/. The user ID and password to access the survey will be sent to you in a separate email for confidentiality reasons.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the second email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

We recognize this is a challenging time for medical professionals and you have many competing priorities. Thank you in advance for your participation in this important study.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Moyer, PhD

Director

National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient, and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Initial email invitation to take web survey – user ID and password)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 2 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

You have been randomly selected to participate in a brief survey on the use and adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), a federal statistical agency, collects data from physicians to help health services, researchers, and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments and related topics, including the use of EHRs and how it affects the delivery of health care in the United States.

A separate email was sent to you with the survey link to access the survey. When prompted, enter the user ID and password provided below.

User ID: [user-name-here]

Password: [password-here]

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data will be used for statistical purposes only.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01.

We recognize this is a challenging time for medical professionals and you have many competing priorities. Thank you in advance for your participation in this important study.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Moyer, PhD

Director

National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1–800–223–8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #1 to take web survey)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 1 of 2)

Greetings Dr. Doe,

My name is Carol DeFrances, and I am the Director of the Division of Health Care Statistics at the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), a federal agency that collects data from physicians to help health services researchers, and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments and related topics.

You have been randomly selected to participate in the National Electronic Health Record Survey (NEHRS), a survey on the use and adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. The overall results of the survey will be included in a statistical report to Congress, which will help influence efforts to improve EHR-related policies.

This survey is completely voluntary and should take ~20 minutes to complete. You are not being asked to provide any patient information for this survey. You may stop participation at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. The data collected will be used for statistical purposes only. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators.

The fastest and easiest way to complete the survey is at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/. The user ID and password to access the survey will be included in a separate email for confidentiality reasons.

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described below.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the second email, do not hesitate to call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about NEHRS is available at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

We recognize this is a challenging time for medical professionals and you have many competing priorities. As such, your participation in NEHRS is greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Carol DeFrances, PhD
Director

Division of Health Care Statistics
National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #1 – user ID and password)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 2 of 2)

Greetings Dr. Doe,

You have been randomly selected to participate in a survey on the use and adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. The overall results of the survey will be included in a statistical report to Congress, which will help influence efforts to improve EHR-related policies.

A separate email was sent to you with the survey link to access the survey. When prompted, enter the user ID and password provided below.

User ID: [user-name-here]

Password: [password-here]

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described below.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the first email, do not hesitate to call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about NEHRS is available at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

We recognize this is a challenging time for medical professionals and you have many competing priorities. As such, your participation in this survey is greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Carol DeFrances, PhD
Director

Division of Health Care Statistics
National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. We rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #2 to take web survey)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 1 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

My name is <<Insert Name of ONC staff person>>, and I lead federal efforts to measure the impact of electronic health records (EHRs) at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

ONC is charged with the coordination of nationwide efforts to implement, improve, and use EHRs and promote the electronic exchange of health information. I am writing today to ask for your help. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics is leading a national survey to study physicians’ experiences using EHRs.

This is your opportunity to have your voice heard. Survey results will be reported to Congress and help influence efforts to improve policies related to EHRs.

I know you are busy, but the voluntary survey should take ~20 minutes to complete. You are not being asked to provide patient information. All information we collect is used for statistical purposes only. You can complete the survey here: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/. We hope you will join your colleagues who have already completed it.

If you have already completed it, thank you!

The user ID and password to access the survey will be sent to you in a separate email for confidentiality reasons. To participate, click this link to start the survey: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/

Or copy and paste the URL into your internet browser: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the second email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Thank you,

<<Insert Name of ONC staff person>>

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient, and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #2 – user ID and password)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 2 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

My name is <<Insert Name of ONC staff person>>, and I lead federal efforts to measure the impact of electronic health records (EHRs) at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This is your opportunity to have your voice heard. Survey results will be reported to Congress and help influence efforts to improve policies related to EHRs.

A separate email was sent to you with the survey link to access the survey. When prompted, enter the user ID and password provided below.

User ID: [user-name-here]

Password: [password-here]

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data will be used for statistical purposes only.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the first email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Thank you,

<<Insert Name of ONC staff person>>

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #3 to take web survey)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 1 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

My name is Brian Ward, and I am a statistician with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

NCHS is a federal agency that collects data from physicians to help health services, researchers, and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments and related topics, such as electronic health records (EHRs).

You have been randomly selected to participate in a brief survey on the use and adoption of EHRs and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. Your email address was obtained from a database of physicians.

Participation in this ~20-minute survey is voluntary. You are not being asked to provide any patient information for this survey, and you may stop participation at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. The data collected will be used for statistical purposes only. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators.

The most efficient way to complete the survey is at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/. The user ID and password to access the survey will be sent to you in a separate email for confidentiality reasons. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the second email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Sincerely,

Brian Ward, PhD
Supervisory Statistician

Ambulatory Hospital Care Statistics Branch Chief
National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians. .

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #3 – user ID and password)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 2 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

You have been randomly selected to participate in a brief survey on the use and adoption of EHRs and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. Your email address was obtained from a database of physicians.

A separate email was sent to you with the survey link to access the survey. When prompted, enter the user ID and password provided below.

User ID: [user-name-here]

Password: [password-here]

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the first email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Sincerely,

Brian Ward, PhD
Supervisory Statistician

Ambulatory Hospital Care Statistics Branch Chief
National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #4)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 1 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

My name is <<Insert Name of ONC staff person and position at ONC>>. ONC coordinates nationwide efforts to implement, improve, and use electronic health records and promote the electronic exchange of health information.

I am writing to invite you to contribute to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) on these topics. NCHS is leading a national survey to study physicians’ experiences using EHRs. The results of this survey will be reported to Congress to help improve policies related to EHRs.

We know that this is a difficult time for physicians, but this survey should take ~20 minutes of your time. You are not being asked to provide any patient information for this survey, and participation is voluntary. You may stop participation at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. Data will be used for statistical purposes only. Your selection for the survey was random and was based on a database of physician e-mail addresses. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators.

The user ID and password to access the survey will be sent to you in a separate email for confidentiality reasons. To participate, click this link to start the survey: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the second email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Thank you,

<<Insert Name of ONC staff person>>

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #4 – user ID and password)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 2 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

My name is <<Insert Name of ONC staff person>>, and I lead federal efforts to measure the impact of electronic health records (EHRs) at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

ONC drives the development of EHRs and the adoption of the electronic exchange of health information nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is conducting a national survey on these topics in outpatient, and office-based practices. You have been chosen at random to be included in this survey, the results of which will be the basis of a report to Congress that will aid in improving policies related to EHRs.

Participation in this ~20-minute survey is voluntary. You are not being asked to provide any patient information for this survey. You may stop participation at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. Data will be used for statistical purposes only. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators.

A separate email was sent to you with the survey link to access the survey. When prompted, enter the user ID and password provided below.

User ID: [user-name-here]

Password: [password-here]

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data will be used for statistical purposes only.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the first email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

With gratitude,

<<Insert Name of ONC staff person>>

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #5 to take web survey)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 1 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

My name is Sonja Williams, and I am a statistician with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), a federal agency that collects data from physicians to help health services, researchers, and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments and related topics.

You have been randomly selected to participate in a brief survey on the use and adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in office-based practices. We are looking for your valuable, unique experiences regarding this subject. Survey results will be reported to Congress and will help guide new policies to improve EHRs.

I know you are busy, but the voluntary survey should take ~20 minutes to complete. You are not being asked to provide any patient information for this survey. You may stop participation at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. The data collected will be used for statistical purposes only. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators.

You can complete the survey here: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/. The user ID and password to access the survey will be sent to you in a separate email for confidentiality reasons. We hope you will join your colleagues who have already completed it.

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as detailed below.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the second email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. For more information about this survey, go to https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Thank you,

Sonja Williams, MPH
Health Statistician

Ambulatory Care Team Leader
National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #5 – user ID and password)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 2 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

You have been randomly selected to participate in a brief survey on the use and adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. We are looking for your valuable, unique experiences regarding this subject. Survey results will be reported to Congress and will help guide new policies to improve EHRs.

A separate email was sent to you with the survey link to access the survey. When prompted, enter the user ID and password provided below.

User ID: [user-name-here]

Password: [password-here]

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as detailed below.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the first email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. For more information about this survey, go to https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Thank you,

Sonja Williams, MPH
Statistician

Ambulatory Care Team Leader
National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient, and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #6 to take web survey)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 1 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

My name is <<Insert Name of ONC staff person and position at ONC>>. ONC coordinates nationwide efforts to implement, improve, and use electronic health records and promote the electronic exchange of health information.

You have been randomly selected to participate in a brief survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) on the use and adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. This study period will be ending soon. We would like to know about your experiences.

We know that this is a difficult time for physicians. This survey should take ~20 minutes of your time. You are not being asked to provide any patient information for this survey, and participation is voluntary. You may stop participation at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. Data will be used for statistical purposes only. Your selection for the survey was random and was based on a database of physician e-mail addresses. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators.

The user ID and password to access the survey will be sent to you in a separate email for confidentiality reasons. To participate, click this link to start the survey: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/.

If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the second email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Sincerely,

<<Insert Name of ONC staff person>>

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Email reminder #6 – user ID and password)

National Electronic Health Records Survey (email 2 of 2)

Dear Dr. Doe,

You have been randomly selected to participate in a brief survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) on the use and adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. This study period will be ending soon—this is your last opportunity to make your voice heard about your experiences. Survey results will be reported to Congress and will help guide new policies to improve EHRs.

A separate email was sent to you with the survey link to access the survey. When prompted, enter the user ID and password provided below.

User ID: [user-name-here]

Password: [password-here]

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. If you have questions or comments regarding this study, or you do not receive the first email, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the NCHS Ethics Review Board at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Sincerely,

<<Insert Name of ONC staff person>>

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient, and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1-800-223-8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(LETTER in US Mail to take web survey)

John Doe, MD

Position (if provided, i.e. Director, Chief, etc.)

Practice Name (if provided)

5 Smith Street

Nowhere, NC 99999-1111

Dear Dr. Doe,

What is NEHRS?

NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient, and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services, researchers, and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, related topics, and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States.

What to do now?

The easiest and most efficient way to respond is over the Internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/. When prompted, use the user ID and password below. Participation in this ~20-minute survey is voluntary, and you may stop at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators.

User ID: [user-name-here]

Password: [password-here]

Help yourself. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard.

Help fellow physicians. Survey results will be reported to Congress and help influence efforts to improve policies related to EHRs.

You Cannot be Replaced. We want the survey to represent outpatient, and office-based physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. We rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

Confidentiality Ensured. Everything you provide us is confidential. Your information is ONLY used for statistical purposes. We remove personally identifying information from the data. After that, the data is posted on the NEHRS website or at the Research Data Center for future research to guide public health decisions.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Moyer, Ph.D.

Director

National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient, and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1–800–223–8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(First Mailing of Questionnaire)

John Doe, MD

Position (if provided, i.e. Director, Chief, etc.)

Practice Name (if provided)

5 Smith Street

Nowhere, NC 99999-1111

Dear Dr. Doe,

About 2 weeks ago, we contacted you about participating in a brief survey on the adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. As of this mailing, we have not received your completed survey. Results from the enclosed National Electronic Health Records Survey, will provide information about participation in value-based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how it affects the delivery of health care in the United States. Please take the time to answer the questions and return the questionnaire in the enclosed envelope.

If you are unable to complete the survey yourself, an office manager or another staff member familiar with your workload and experiences with your EHR system could complete the survey on your behalf. If you choose not to participate, please answer Questions 2 and 4 and return it to us in the enclosed envelope.

You are not being asked to provide any patient information for this mail survey, and participation is voluntary. You may stop participation at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. Data will be used for statistical purposes only. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators.

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail on the back of this page.

Please accept the enclosed <<item>> as a token of our gratitude for completing this ~20-minute survey. If you have questions or comments regarding this study, please call the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the Ethics Review Board at the National Center for Health Statistics at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the National Electronic Health Records Survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

We recognize this is a challenging time for medical professionals and you have many competing priorities. Thank you for your valuable assistance with this important study.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Moyer, PhD

Director

National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1–800–223–8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Second Mailing of Questionnaire)

John Doe, MD

Position (if provided, i.e. Director, Chief, etc.)

Practice Name (if provided)

5 Smith Street

Nowhere, NC 99999-1111

Dear Dr. Doe,

About three weeks ago, we sent you a questionnaire from the National Electronic Health Records Survey, which is an important study on the adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. As of this mailing, we have not received your survey. If you are unable to complete the survey yourself, an office manager or another staff member familiar with your workload and experiences with your EHR system could complete the survey on your behalf. I urge you to complete the survey and return it in the enclosed envelope. It should take about 20-minutes to complete. If you are no longer in practice or do not provide care for outpatient or office-based patients, please answer Question 2 on the survey and return it in the postage-paid envelope. If you choose not to participate, please answer Questions 2 and 4 and return it in the envelope.

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) collects data from physicians to help health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in the environments physicians work and how it affects the delivery of health care in the United States. Your participation is extremely important. We need to hear from you, as we cannot substitute your unique insight and experiences with those from another physician. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research.

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality; more detailed information is on the back of this letter.

All information will be used for statistical purposes only. Your participation is voluntary. You may stop participation at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation.

We recognize this is a challenging time for medical professionals and you have many competing priorities. Thank you in advance for your time, effort, and contribution to this important study. If you have questions or comments regarding this study, please do not hesitate to contact the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the Ethics Review Board at the National Center for Health Statistics at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the National Electronic Health Records Survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Moyer, PhD

Director

National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1–800–223–8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Third mailing of Questionnaire)

John Doe, MD

Practice Name (if provided)

5 Smith Street

Nowhere, NC 99999-1111

Dear Dr. Doe,

We have been trying to reach you about an important study on electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices. Results from the enclosed questionnaire will be used to inform health services researchers and policy makers on participation in value-based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how it affects the delivery of health care in the United States.

This study period will soon be ending, and a concern is that physicians who have not responded to the survey may have different experiences from those who responded. We need to hear from all types of physicians, and we cannot substitute responses from another physician for your responses. If you are unable to complete the survey yourself within the next week, then an office manager or another staff member familiar with your workload and experiences with your EHR system could complete the survey on your behalf. It should take about 20 minutes to complete. If you are no longer in practice or do not provide care for outpatient or office-based patients, please answer Question 2 on the survey and return it in the postage-paid envelope. If you choose not to participate, please answer Questions 2 and 4 and return it to us in the enclosed envelope.

You are not being asked to provide any patient information, and participation is voluntary. You may stop participation at any time. There are no penalties for nonparticipation. Data will be used for statistical purposes only. If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research.

NCHS complies with federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality. More detailed information is on the back of this letter.

We recognize this is a challenging time for medical professionals and you have many competing priorities. I urge you to complete the survey and return it in the postage-paid envelope. Thank you in advance for your time, effort, and contribution to this important study. If you have questions or comments regarding this study, please contact the study coordinator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the Ethics Review Board at the National Center for Health Statistics at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Additional information about the National Electronic Health Records Survey may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nehrs/about.htm.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Moyer, PhD

Director

National Center for Health Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW WAS I CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY?

You were randomly selected from a list of office-based physicians in the United States. This process ensures that the addresses selected represent physicians in the United States. Only sampled physicians or their proxy respondents can participate. Your participation is voluntary. However, we rely on you to make the survey results as accurate as possible.

2. WHO WILL SEE MY ANSWERS?

We take your privacy very seriously. As required by federal law, your identity can be seen only by those NCHS employees and specially designated agents who need that information for a specific reason. No one else can see your answers until all information that could identify you and/or your practice has been removed. We combine your answers with other people’s answers in a way that protects everyone’s identity.

3. HOW MAY THE DATA COLLECTED BE USED?

If you participate, you are giving consent for your deidentified information to be made available for future research by NCHS or other investigators. NEHRS is a survey on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the electronic exchange of health information among physicians in outpatient, and office-based practices in the United States. It is sponsored by the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, a Federal Statistical Agency, and a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data collected helps health services researchers and policy makers understand changes in physician work environments, and related topics, such as participation in value -based payment programs, provider burden associated with documentation and EHR use, and the use of EHRs and how they affect the delivery of health care in the United States. The aggregated survey results shall be reported to Congress and help inform policymakers take steps to improve EHRs for patients and physicians.

4. WHAT LAWS PROTECT MY PRIVACY?

NCHS complies with numerous federal laws to protect your data, privacy, and confidentiality, as described in detail below. Data collection is authorized under Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k). A number of federal laws require that all information we collect be held in strict confidence: Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 (44 U.S.C. 3561-3583), and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Transmissions across the internet into Federal Information systems may be monitored for cybersecurity purposes in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. §§ 151 and 151 note). Every NCHS employee, contractor, and agent has taken an oath to keep your information private. Anyone who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information could get a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

5. WHO PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS?

The Ethics Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics reviews survey content and methods to protect study participants. You may call the ERB to ask about your rights as a participant in this survey. The toll-free number is 1–800–223–8118. You will get an answering service. Please leave a brief message with your name and phone number. Say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01. Your call will be returned promptly.

(Post Card Thank You/Reminder)

A few weeks ago, a questionnaire was mailed to you requesting your participation in an important study of electronic health records and the electronic exchange of health information in outpatient, and office-based practices.

If you returned the questionnaire, thank you for your contribution! If not, please do so today. Your participation is critical and helps improve our understanding of electronic health records systems and the electronic exchange of health information use in the United States.

If you did not receive the questionnaire or have misplaced it, please call our toll-free number at (xxx) xxx-xxxx, and we will be happy to send you another one. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please call the Ethics Review Board at the National Center for Health Statistics at (800) 223-8118 and say you are calling about Protocol #2023-01.

We recognize this is a challenging time for medical professionals and you have many competing priorities. Thank you for your participation.

Brian C. Moyer, PhD

Director

National Center for Health Statistics

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