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Only 10% of U.S. hospitals have fully implemented information technology (IT) systems, but a recent American Hospital Association survey found that most organizations are exploring options, Modern Healthcare reported October 11.

Quality Improvement Monitor, October 13, 2005

Only 10% of U.S. hospitals have fully implemented information technology (IT) systems, but a recent American Hospital Association survey found that most organizations are exploring options, Modern Healthcare reported October 11.

The survey found that 92% of the more than 900 community hospitals questioned said they were either using, testing, or actively considering an IT system, Modern Healthcare reported. Most of the hospitals not even considering IT are in rural areas and have fewer than 200 beds.

Of the hospitals using IT, 36% were beginning implementation, and 10% were fully operational, the survey found.

"[A]ccelerating the forward momentum and achieving universal adoption of IT will require a shared investment between providers, payers, and purchasers," the survey report said. "Hospitals currently bear almost all the costs of IT investment, with no increases in payments. But many of the financial benefits of IT, such as decreased need for repeat tests, lower readmission rates and shorter lengths of stay, accrue to those who pay for the care."

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