AUGUSTA – The federal government announced Wednesday that some Maine doctors will be reimbursed for converting paper medical records to electronic files as part of a pilot program.

A Department of Health and Human Services official said as many as 100 practices will be eligible for as much as $58,000 per physician or $290,000 per practice.

DHHS Deputy Secretary Tevi Troy announced the pilot program Wednesday with Gov. John Baldacci. Troy said the five-year program is aimed at improving quality of patient care by enhancing medical efficiency and timeliness.

Baldacci said improving health care quality is one of the goals of Maine’s Dirigo Health Reform law. Maine is one of 12 states or regions selected as demonstration sites.