CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A state program that promotes the use of electronic health records says it has achieved its goal of helping 1,000 doctors convert to the new record-keeping method.

The West Virginia Regional Health Information Technology Extension Center provides counseling in selecting a records system, privacy and security guidance, implementation oversight and other services.

Center director Dwayne Edwards said Wednesday that electronic health records systems encourage better coordination of care among doctors, hospitals and labs, increase efficiencies and reduce costs associated with managing costly chronic conditions.