A personal computer (PC) software package has been developed for use in a high-volume university cutaneous oncology program. Since the program's inception in 1987, more than 2600 patients have been registered at the clinic and entered into the system. The software combines a clinical management and research database, so that as the clinical database is used on a day-to-day basis, the research database is also kept current. Continuous quality improvement is possible with the use of timed queries to monitor outcomes of predetermined standards of care. The natural history of various subgroups of the melanoma population has been defined in Florida with this computing system. This has allowed the identification of groups who have excellent outcomes and can be followed. Furthermore, “high risk for recurrence” groups who are candidates for adjuvant therapies are readily identified. Outcome measurements are possible with the use of the query system in order to fulfill requirements of managed care organizations, to help with physician credentialing, and to compete for capitated contracts. Use of the software helps with clinical guideline development because the local institution's experience can be compared with national standards and results.