With the advent of the 80-hour workweek for residents at academic health centers, there has been a predictable increase in the number of patient handoffs during a hospital stay.

Heart disease is one of the nation’s most serious chronic diseases, affecting more than 19 million Americans and costing some $213 billion annually in treatment and lost economic productivity costs.

When the Federal Government proposes new standards to permit electronic prescribing in ambulatory care settings next April, the experiences of nearly 50 small, community-based physician practices in northeastern Ohio are likely to help shape their recommendations.