Information technology provides an opportunity for the health care industry to fulfill its mandate for delivering high-quality care in a cost-effective manner. Technical developments, such as the Intranet and computer-based medical records; regulatory mandates; and employer cooperative groups are pushing the industry toward paying increased attention to the quality and cost of care. The spread of information technology has heightened public interest in the quality of care and in participating in clinical decisions related to an individual's health. This consumer-centered paradigm will further increase the role of information technology in the health care industry.