Physician data entry and use of clinical workstations is one barrier to computer-based patient records (CPRs). Often, clinicians do not understand the potential benefits of CPRs. For the benefits to be realized, however, clinical personnel must use the workstations for both data entry and retrieval. The article reviews recent experience with physicians' direct data entry. It summarizes benefits that clinicians have realized from such systems and also disincentives to their use. It concludes by discussing implementation strategies for enhancing the benefits and reducing the barriers.