A diamond and a rock, sitting side by side. Both discovered near the bottom of the Udachny diamond mine in the Sakha Republic region of Russia, one of the world’s ten deepest open-pit diamond mines.

But are they of the same value?

"I can't put it in the agreement, but trust me on this. You have my word."

Those are famous words from a hospital CEO. And, maybe you can trust him. But can you trust his successor?

The right question regarding the uncertain future, is to ask is what underlies your profession, your specialty, or its role. What’s the motivating desire or overriding function?

Sure, unlike immigration love, less than heartfelt medical group merger isn't a federal crime.

There was a time warp in the box from the garage.

In a personal services business, from medical groups to acute care hospitals, what's more important, your people or your tangible assets?

Growth. There's lots of talk about it.

Listen in as we discuss a recent settlement of an actual HIPAA violation. And even more troubling, learn about another HIPAA breach settlement that didn’t even involve am actual HIPAA breach . . . only a potential one.

Ah, the shiny object, the more or less instant gratification.

Knowing how to develop emotion-based strategies and how to implement them are simply among the "combined arms" tools that medical groups must develop in order to thrive.