Health information systems and physician quality: role of the American board of pediatrics maintenance of certification in improving children's health care.

A second revolution in quality is occurring in US health care, as profound as the Flexner revolution almost 100 years ago. Systems issues are the basis for most of the concern, but physician quality and professional development are also important. Specialty board certification and maintenance of certification are key drivers of professional development and improvement of care. Physicians are now required to document that they can assess and improve quality of care. Functional health information systems are essential for this process.