health care system. However, as many experts discuss the potential-for benefits of HIT, there is not enough official evaluation and evidence regarding successful implementation. Also missing from the argument is a discussion of experiences with actual HIT systems, and the challenges and pitfalls that could make poorly designed systems useless. Many potential benefits will never materialize, while other benefits will be identified over time. Firms that have successfully implemented HIT systems use them as a necessary part of their business model. Without the proper incentives, these systems are likely to fail to live up to their full potential. The government should let the market, pick the technology that works best for the benefit of the patient and the health care system. Consumers should also have a say in the appropriate level of privacy that meets their needs. If government bureaucrats had picked privacy and security standards for the banking industry, access to balances online might be impossible and automated teller machines (ATMs) might not exist. At a minimum, policymakers should let the health care industry offer security and privacy standards that balance the need for both privacy and security with the maximum amount of protection for the
health care system. However, as many experts discuss the potential-for benefits of HIT, there is not enough official evaluation and evidence regarding successful implementation. Also missing from the argument is a discussion of experiences with actual HIT systems, and the challenges and pitfalls that could make poorly designed systems useless. Many potential benefits will never materialize, while other benefits will be identified over time. Firms that have successfully implemented HIT systems use them as a necessary part of their business model. Without the proper incentives, these systems are likely to fail to live up to their full potential. The government should let the market, pick the technology that works best for the benefit of the patient and the health care system. Consumers should also have a say in the appropriate level of privacy that meets their needs. If government bureaucrats had picked privacy and security standards for the banking industry, access to balances online might be impossible and automated teller machines (ATMs) might not exist. At a minimum, policymakers should let the health care industry offer security and privacy standards that balance the need for both privacy and security with the maximum amount of protection for the