Press Release

Manasquan, N.J., USA, December 20, 2005 – For healthcare, where the climate changes constantly in response to consumer needs and national trends, preparing for the future is no simple task. Cost, demographics, technology, crises and market consolidation are among the ever-changing forces that challenge healthcare professionals’ abilities to adapt to consumer and industrial demand. Recognizing the challenge in change, industry leaders are taking the first step to weathering the storm.

Healthcare professionals may not predict the weather, but they can forecast development in their field. A 43-page special report, “Healthcare Trends & Forecasts 2006,” produced by the Healthcare Intelligence Network (HIN) provides expert insight into healthcare development, offering tips and strategies for a smooth transition into 2006. For more information, please visit the HIN bookstore.

“People tend to trash the healthcare system in the United States,” said Nathan Kaufman, senior vice president of healthcare strategy, ACS Solutions. “But there are reasons why costs are increasing and the primary reason is simple: it’s worth it.”

Decreased mortality from heart conditions and cancer, broader understanding of consumer psychology and greater national health consciousness are among the evidence to support healthcare’s progressive development. However, cost increases and steady uninsured rates promote continued awareness and anticipation for what will come next and how to minimize the fallout.

In this special report, HIN’s expert panelists predict healthcare trends and dynamics for 2006. Dr. Peter Kongstvedt, partner, Health/Managed Care Consulting Services, Accenture and Steven T. Valentine, president, The Camden Group join Kaufman to highlight strategies and skills healthcare professionals can use to prepare for the future. They discuss:

• What's driving changes in the healthcare industry;
• What new trends will emerge in 2006;
• How healthcare organizations can best position for 2006;
• Performance expectations for the healthcare industry in 2006;
• Problems affecting the healthcare business climate; and
• How 2006 will compare to 2005.

“My prediction for the next five years, barring any major catastrophe or terrorist attack, is that healthcare will be the single biggest social and political issue,” said Kaufman. “It will be the primary issue in the 2008 election because we have 50 million uninsured. Healthcare costs now contribute to 50 percent of all personal bankruptcies.”

This comprehensive report, available in print and Adobe® Acrobat® PDF formats, forecasts healthcare trends for 2006, touching on the state of the industry, hospital dynamics, socio-demographics, cost predictions, consumer-driven healthcare, the uninsured and strategies for success. For more information on this product, upcoming audio conferences and related resources, please visit the HIN bookstore.

About the Healthcare Intelligence Network -- HIN is the premier advisory service for executives seeking high-quality strategic information on the business of healthcare. For more information, contact the Healthcare Intelligence Network, PO Box 1442, Wall Township, NJ, USA, 07719-1442, (888) 446-3530, fax (732) 292-3073, e-mail info@hin.com, or visit www.hin.com.

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