| Abstract | For many years, the medical community and its IT (information technology) suppliers have sought to improve, refine, and extend the support that computer-based systems offer in the delivery and administration of health care. Understandably enough, patient data has been a prominent focus in this effort. More recently, the health industry has been joined by regulatory and market interests eager to understand and contain the costs of healthcare delivery. According to a Decision Resources report, 25 cents o every hospital dollar spent in 1990 paid administrative costs (many of which are associated with the management of patient information). Computerizing the patient record seems an excellent way to reduce administrative costs and deliver better health care. |