The economy's impact in Healthcare

Implications: Typically the macro economy does not have immediate effect to the healthcare market.  As the current US economy struggles from the rising cost of fuel and burst of the housing and mortgage bubble the effect is beginning to be realized in various areas that impact the healthcare market.

Analysis: It is inevitable the rising cost of fuel has a direct hit to the cost of supplies that are staples in american hospitals; medical supplies, food, energy, etc.
These rising costs do not have an impact on patient or procedural volumes or reimbursement, but definitely operational costs which feed the capital budget.  The cascade effect of the economic recession does impact employer healthcare benefit plans and ultimately the level of care patients seek; leaving some to not seek treatment, and/or leave hospital bills unpaid (or seek charity care).