Stage 1 meaningful use creeps closer and closer. Healthcare IT News recently asked its readers where they are on the road to Stage 1. Most are right on track, but a few are finding it hard to accelerate.

Only 16 percent of respondents are completed with Stage 1, which is not surprising, considering the many other concerns that have been weighing on healthcare organizations as of late.

Nearly three quarters of respondents indicated that they are on their way to meaningful use Stage 1.

Meanwhile, 15 percent say they are not even close to reaching Stage 1. Timing, adherence to guidelines, gathering resources and balancing other projects with completing Stage 1 are doubtless putting a strain on many organizations.

[See also: 5 roadblocks to meaningful use Stage 2.]

The date range of the survey was November 4, 2011 to November 18, 2011.