Estimate of heath care savings from HIT expansion

In a report that may apply to current efforts to expand health information technology (HIT) in Ohio, Oregon has estimated that overall health expenditure savings in their state from the widespread adoption of HIT are $1.7 billion per year. "Of the total statewide savings, $0.6 billion is due to avoidable services, and $1.1 billion is due to increased clinical and operational efficiencies. Employers would benefit from $6.1 million in time-loss reductions." (Source: "Potential Impact of Widespread Adoption of Advanced HIT on Oregon Health Expenditures," PDF download.)

The report, by the Oregon Health Care Quality Corporation and the Office of Oregon Health Policy Research, estimated that the cost impact for the required health care information technology systems statewide "at between $0.44 billion and $0.75 billion per year. These estimates include both one-time and operating/maintenance costs. The cost estimates include (a) the widespread implementation of advanced HIT systems by providers, and (b) development of health information exchange services between providers."