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In the last five years, the Web has changed the way information is disseminated, knowledge is gained, and health care is provided. Even though the health care industry has yet to fully realize the potential of the Internet, the Web is only the beginning. Several emerging technologies will be changing the rules again. With new forms of network connectivity and faster, new wireless technologies, the adoption rate of mobile, handheld computers in health care will grow feverishly. Intelligent, autonomous software agents that guide the patient through the continuum of care will extend the reach of health care providers to all places at all times. The author discusses these new concepts, how they might be applied in health care, and the doctor-patient health care transaction.

Information is the lifeblood of the health care organization. In the past, chief information officers were responsible for nothing else but assuring a constant flow of information. Today, they are being asked to do a great deal more. From E-business to E-health strategy, the chief information officer is the focal point of an organization's ability to leverage new technology.