Richard Hillestad
Overview
Biography
Richard Hillestad has been involved in analyzing complex real-world environments, modeling them, and developing solutions.
In the area of health care, Hillestad recently completed a major study to estimate the cost and quality benefits of widespread adoption of health care information technology and to suggest policies that will enhance the likelihood of realizing those benefits; and he is leading a study to provide an objective assessment of alternative approaches to identifying patients while maintaining privacy and the security of electronic medical records.
In the area of transportation, Hillestad directed and completed a comprehensive policy analysis of multimodal options for freight transport in the Netherlands; the study evaluated the effectiveness of some 125 policy options for mitigating air pollution, noise, safety, and congestion impacts associated with freight movement by road, rail, and waterway while also considering the cost and economic impacts. He also directed a study of risk management and risk mitigation associated with the growth of Schiphol (Amsterdam Airport)—a study that led to important changes in the way aviation safety is managed at Schiphol and in the Netherlands. Prior to joining RAND, Hillestad developed route optimization and scheduling models for rapid transit systems.
Hillestad earned his M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and his Ph.D. in engineering and applied science from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Research Focus
Previous Positions
Consultant, Environmental Dynamics; Technical Director, Systems & Computer Information, Inc.; Consultant, Hughes Aircraft Co.; Advanced Design Engineer, Lockheed California Co.Recent Projects
- Analysis of the savings and health care implications of electronic medical records
- Development of a gaming model for the evaluation of counterterrorism policies
- Identification of priority improvements for U.S. freight transportation infrastructure
Selected Publications
Richard Hillestad et al., "Can Electronic Medical Record Systems Transform Health Care? Potential Health Benefits, Savings, and Costs," Health Affairs, 24(5), 2005
Richard Hillestad et al., Health Information Technology: Can HIT Lower Costs and Improve Quality? RAND Corporation (RB-9136), 2005
Roger Taylor et al., "Promoting Health Information Technology: Is There a Case for More-Aggressive Government Action?" Health Affairs, 24(5), 2005
Recent Media Appearances
Interviews: Associated Press; Health Management Technology; Investor's Business Daily; Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report; Modern Healthcare; National Journal's Technology Daily; Reuters; Scripps Howard News Service

Creating Health ID Numbers Could Improve Patient Privacy — Oct 30, 2008