In 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology reported a slow rate of adoption of electronic medical records. The present research sought to explore possible reasons for this situation by examining factors that distinguished between users and nonusers of electronic medical records and perceptions of physicians regarding the value of the technology in their practices. The present study was one of the first since the start of federally available financial incentives to implement this technology. The theoretical foundation for the current study was derived from the attitudes and behavior with respect to technology diffusion as expressed in Davis' technology acceptance model, Ajzen's theory of planned behavior, and Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory. The research questions were used to address the independent variables of physician age, specialization, clinical setting, technology interoperability, perceived effects, and cost of implementation as they related to the dependent variable of electronic medical records use. Data on these variables were obtained through a questionnaire provided to approximately 1,000 New York State based practicing osteopathic physicians and completed on-line by 105 qualified respondents. Respondent demographics matched osteopathic physician demographics nationwide. Findings revealed that a large majority of respondents (80.2%) used the technology in their practices. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were used to determine that physician age, practice size, specialization, physician perceptions, and technology interoperability had no statistically significant effect on the use of electronic medical records technology within a physician's practice (p > 0.05). Perceptions of physicians towards adopting this technology were moderately positive to the benefits of technology adoption (0.7, range of -2 to 2). Categorical data analysis determined that cost was the predominant barrier to adopting electronic medical records (0.8, range of 0 to 1). Financial assistance and incentives, increased technical support, implementation planning and training for practices, and physician input during the implementation lifecycle are recommended. Future research should explore technology use and physician perception in other states, of popular and neglected technology functions, and within the allopathic practitioner community. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]