Implications of new organizational relationships and fiscal incentives on health information managers.

Whether the health field in the United States should be dominated by more competition or by more government regulation is now at the center of the public policy debate. After examining the market-driven and regulatory models to constrain cost, improve quality, and enhance access to care, the article argues that our current centrist political philosophy can be expected to continue on Capitol Hill and among the state legislatures. As a result, this will force health information managers to labor within a blended approach that is partially market driven and partially governed by regulations. How such a hybrid system will affect the future role of health information professionals, integrated information systems, and other related topics is also discussed.