PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts major health system changes in 2009

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has released a report on what it considers the top nine issues facing the healthcare industry in 2009. While many important issues are in play, among the biggest it expects to see next year are pivotal shifts in the drive for health reform.

Some of the other issues identified by PwC include the underinsured becoming a bigger problem than the uninsured; the increasing importance placed on prevention as opposed to treatment; the continuing presence of the often-unpopular pay for performance; and incentives for wellness programs.

Perhaps most importantly, PwC expects 2009 to be a watershed for healthcare, with the economy placing extra pressure on the industry, and huge changes expected from Obama and the Democratic Congress.

In all, the report brings together a lot of what we already know or have seen beginning, such as the effect of the economy on healthcare; it also includes some interesting predictions, such as the possibility of affordable genetic testing in 2009. It's worth a look.

To learn more about the possibilities in 2009:
- read this PricewaterhouseCoopers press release

Related Articles:
Study: Nurse turnover not highest priority
Study: Healthcare IT spending growing, despite broader IT slowdown
Joint Commission releases 2009 standards