It is currently true that healthcare is operating in a stressed economy (like everyone else), a result of which is that some aspects of financial, regulatory and operations issues can be attributed as a struggle. However, it is an illusion to believe these are the only forces at work to create this leaner environment. More than ever (and increasingly in the future) healthcare is viewed and executed with greater transparency whereby more traditional market forces common in other business markets can come to bear to drive aspects such as cost-management, oversight, competition, wages, etc. This will not go away anytime soon (if ever) so we need to utilize this current time to be sure we are addressing these areas to best capitalize on these market forces, for our good AND our customers. Here are some ideas to think about!