title: Costs, needs must be balanced when buying computer systems.
abstract: A healthcare institution must carefully examine its internal needs and external requirements before selecting an information system. The system's costs must be carefully weighed because significant computer cost overruns can cripple overall hospital finances. A New Jersey hospital carefully studied these issues and determined that a contract with a regional data center was its best option.
mesh_terms: D003132:Commerce; D003253:Consultants; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D006744:Hospital Bed Capacity, 100 to 299; D006751:Hospital Information Systems / Q000592:standards*; D009515:New Jersey; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011682:Purchasing, Hospital / Q000379:methods*