Dive Brief:
- According to the results of the 25th annual 2014 HIMSS Leadership Survey, a lack of financial resources is the top barrier to successful IT implementation for IT executives, according to the study.
- This is a shift in direction from the past two years, when the main IT challenge was insufficient and untrained staffing resources.
- However, financial issues have not prevented healthcare organizations from moving forward with EMRs. Over 90% of survey respondents have already qualified for Stage 1 Meaningful Use. Also, nearly all expect to complete their ICD-10 conversion on time.
Dive Insight:
While cost continues to be a problem, it seems that most healthcare organizations have found a way to progress with their EMR and other critical projects, such as participation in an HIE. Given the state HIEs are at right now, it seems like those will trail progress in these other arenas, for which there is far less flexibility getting it done. But with the help of clinical staff as key IT champions, it seems like mature EMR implementations and ICD-10 readiness are within their grasp.