To effectively handle changes in health policy and health information, new designs and applications of automation are explored. Increased use of computer-based information systems in health care could serve as a means of control over the costs of developing more comprehensive health service, with applications increasing not only the automation of hospital operations and the data needed for clinical decision making, but completely new programs for meeting and managing the client population and remuneration of physicians. This series of articles considers various aspects of the application of computer technology to medicine, from the large scale down to the level of the small group practice or solo practitioner. Topics discussed are: (1) modern health care and medical information; (2) the medical record; (3) methodology and long term applications; (4) protection of health care confidentiality; (5) what the users think; (6) what the computer can do for the primary care physician; (7) problem oriented medical records for family practice; and (8) impact on the medical profession. A discussion of the various reasons why many of the more ambitious projects to date have ended in complete or partial failure is included. (Author/JPF)