Jerry Buchanan, Program Manager at technology consulting firm eMids Technologies, shares five ways that consumer-driven healthcare proves to be game changing for healthcare IT.

1. Patients pay more

"As patients are becoming responsible for an increasing percentage of their cost of care, it is imperative that systems across the health IT spectrum be able to track and maintain these payments," said Buchanan.

2. Patients want their data

When patients pay for their own care, they expect easier access to -- or even control of -- their own medical data. Buchanan noted that "the importance of PHRs will continue to grow with this trend."

3. Transparency is key

Patients paying a higher percentage of their care will demand to know exactly what they're paying for. Buchanan pointed out that "Real time transactions -- especially for eligibility checks and access to fee schedules -- [are becoming] critical."

4. Quality is a priority

"Patients need a comparison to evaluate their purchasing options," emphasized Buchanan. Patients will choose the best option for them based on quality, rather than name recognition, Buchanan said.

5. Information is at the patient's fingertips

There is a staggering amount of information available to patients via the internet -- but sifting through all of that knowledge can be problematic. Educating patients is an increasingly important factor in the healthcare industry. "Institutions that proactively participate in the conversation stand to gain market and mind share," Buchanan said.