OREANDA-NEWS. An increasing percentage of U.S. non-profit hospitals project capital spending to increase over the next five years, according to Fitch Ratings in a new report.

Fitch's 2015 capital expenditures survey shows that 53% of hospitals expect capital spending to increase over the next five years, compared to 45% in 2012. Conversely, the percentage of hospitals expecting to issue new bonds over the next two years decreased to 29% in 2015 from 39% in 2012. Survey results varied by both rating category and revenue base.

The highest capital priority identified in the survey remains information technology, though its importance has narrowed relative to other capital priorities. Inpatient capacity remained the lowest capital priority, consistent with Fitch's 2012 survey results.

According to Director Adam Kates, 'Increased certainty regarding the implementation of the PPACA following the Supreme Court's upholding of key provisions of the act, stable operating profitability during implementation of key PPACA provisions over the past three years and increasing patient consumerism are contributing to the increased projected capital spending.'