1. Health care information is complex. The data source in health care may include text, images, pictures, and other graphics. There is no simple standard operating procedure the provider can turn to for diagnosing, treating, and managing an individual patient’s care. Terminologies used to describe health information are also complex and are not used consistently among clinicians. 2. Health information is highly sensitive and personal. 3. Health care IT is expensive, and currently it is the health care provider or provider organization that bears the brunt of the cost of acquiring, maintaining, and supporting these systems. It has been very difficult to make a business case for the adoption of electronic medical records in small physician practices, where the bulk of health care is delivered. 4. The U.S. health care system is not a single system of care but rather a conglomeration of systems, including organizations in both public and private sectors. i