Payers focus IT investment on collaboration tools: information and collaboration goals are meant to improve quality and operational efficiency.(GARTNER ON TECHNOLOGY)

SEVERAL FORCES ARE causing changes in healthcare payer IT investment priorities. Among the greatest in quantity significant are:
* The consumerism change is creating great demands for improved and more accessible information.
* Legislation and state and federal initiatives are calling for investment in computerized patient records and technologies that support collaborative decision making.
* Regional health information networks are receiving funding for collaborative clinical information sharing and for pay-for-performance initiatives.
In answer and beginning this year,