Moving patients more quickly though the emergency department has moved some key metrics, too.

The more effectively patients and physicians can communicate the better healthcare will be. And that includes better electronic communications, such as by e-mail. Yes, I understand doctors' concerns that it would take up too much of their time—uncompensated time at that—and expose them to liability and leave an electronic trail of typos. But I believe that deep down inside they also know it is the right thing to do.

For the past few years, CFOs have been slashing costs to save their bottom lines from the economic recession. And with economists split over whether the recession will double-dip or maintain a slow recovery, hospital finance leaders are making their own educated guesses for their 2011 strategic plans.

Hospitals are looking to employ more physicians and buy more practices; at the same time, hospitals are receiving an increase in inquiries from physician groups for employment. But that marriage is not without trepidation. Two major industry trends—an increase in insured patients and the development of accountable care organizations—will put considerable strain on hospital-physician relations.