Health Information Technology: Is it Worth the Risk?

In 2011, 35 percent of U.S. hospitals transitioned to an electronic health records (EHR) system compared to only 16 percent in 2009, according to the American Hospital Association.

Depending on the size of the facility, it can cost millions to implement and train staff on EHR and other health information technology (HIT). But the return on investment, such as streamlined patient care and a reduction in wasteful spending, can make it worth the price.

Keep in mind the risks associated with adopting HIT can also be expensive.

Patient privacy and data breaches due to poorly encrypted data are significant concerns that can cost providers both money and their reputation. Not to mention, as more and more health care workers use mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones to do their jobs, lost or stolen devices make the risk of a data breach even more common.

Make sure you've got the necessary measures in place to avoid the approximately $6 billion per year that data breaches cost the health care industry.