Pitfalls to avoid when merging information systems.

When healthcare organizations merge, their goal often is to improve operational efficiencies, with information systems (IS) a common target for cost reduction. These cost reductions usually are achieved by reducing staff, consolidating data centers, establishing standardized systems, and sharing resources throughout the system. During this process, however, several common pitfalls can cause merging organizations to stumble. By carefully evaluating their options, merging organizations can avoid these potential traps and reduce their IS costs.