To the extent that all market participants have better information, economic efficiency is improved, prices are closer to costs for the products, services bought by consumers and for the supplies and equipment bought by firms. Innovations that improve information to patients and providers, such as by making price and quality information easily available, have an economic value to consumers. Use of the Internet benefits consumers in a variety of ways.

1. ?What are the different ways the Internet can increase value to consumers and to health care providers and health plans?

2. What are the likely effects of the Internet on health care competition?