Editor's Corner

Welcome to 2007! As always, our industry is in a ferment, but this year promises to be particularly interesting, with care delivery models shifting (retail clinics), medical practices going back to old-timey hands-on care (concierge models) and the demand for price and quality outcomes forcing providers to rethink the way they collect, aggregate and distribute critical patient data. Then, of course, there's the political upheaval that's getting under way as the Democrats firm up their grip on the U.S. Congress. All told, when health industry historians look back at 2007, I believe they're going to say "Wow! What a year!" Truth be told, most existing power relationships will stay in place even as larger forces shift. Doctors will still be doctors. Insurance companies will still fight with hospitals. Nurses will still be in short supply. Basically, we'll hear all of the same tunes we've heard before. But this year there will be some particularly interesting music to back it up. - Anne

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