Sophisticated technologies such as web-based "expert networks," online collaboration tools, and electronic health records enable providers to exchange information, find the right healthcare expert at the point of care, offer patients customized care, accelerate innovation, and increase productivity while lowering healthcare costs. Such tools also enable consumers to access healthcare information, perform routine tasks, and schedule appointments online. In a world where healthcare is connected, digital resources can be made available not only to patients at home or at their hospital bedsides, but also to clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, emergency response units, and other groups across the healthcare ecosystem.