Although change in healthcare delivery is the only constant, we can point to definitive trends that are leading groups to add and expand ancillary services, including:

• Declining reimbursements for physician services are naturally causing groups to seek additional revenue sources.
• Recently finalized Stark regulations intentionally broaden the ability of physicians to provide ancillary services.
• Physicians (and indeed all providers) are seeking more control over all aspects of patient care.
• Patients are becoming better informed about their healthcare options and are actively seeking care that enables them to remain independent, age in place and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle within their community.
• Patients continue to rely primarily on their physician to provide and oversee their healthcare.

These and other trends serve to both increase the demand for effective, economical and convenient ancillary services and place physicians in the best position to direct and evaluate these services.