全球智库信息集成服务系统

Key Findings

1. Properly implemented and widely adopted, Health Information Technology would save money and significantly improve healthcare quality.
2. Annual savings from efficiency alone could be $77 billion or more.
3. Health and safety benefits could double the savings while reducing illness and prolonging life.
4. Implementation would cost around $8 billion per year, assuming adoption by 90 percent of hospitals and doctors’ offices over 15 years.
5. Obstacles include market disincentives: Generally, those who pay for Health Information Technology do not receive the related savings.
6. The government should act now to overcome obstacles and realize benefits.

The U.S. healthcare system is in trouble. Despite investing over $1.7 trillion annually in healthcare, we are plagued with inefficiency and poor quality. Better information systems could help. Most providers lack the information systems necessary to coordinate a patient’s care with other providers, share needed information, monitor compliance with prevention and disease-management guidelines, and measure and improve performance.