In case you missed it in the business section today, the New York Times is reporting on indicators of economic sluggishness in the health industry sector:
Signs of a gloomier outlook have been surfacing in various spots, from a slowing in new construction plans to falling share prices of nursing home companies to announced layoffs among hospital support staff. “Nobody is sure what will happen,” said Alan M. Garber, a physician and health policy expert at Stanford. The cuts in government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and pressure to reduce costs, are thwarting health care employers in trying to meet the rising demand for their services.
“The health care industry is facing greater uncertainty than in any time in memory,” Dr. Garber said.
