Abstract
Corporate purchasers of health care benefits for employees and their dependents are beginning to demand the use of information technology in health care for purposes of improving quality. Level of investment in information technology is directly related to net income for hospitals. The proper choice of investment in information technology is associated with financial stability and supporting patient-centered care in medical groups. Empirical studies of health care services in outpatient facilities and clinics indicate opportunities for significant improvements in quality by focusing a very small set of treatment protocols.