Medical treatment has advanced exponentially over the last two decades . However, the packaging and delivery of treatment has not shown the same improvement and growth over the time frame. This has left the consumer struggling with scattered and inconvenient healthcare delivery systems. These systems lack transparency and are difficult to access. Overall, the existing systems are providing sub optimal levels of experience and returns for consumers, payers and suppliers. In this issue we discuss some inevitable changes to these healthcare delivery mechanisms.

While hospitals will continue to be the mainstay of treatment for episodic acute care we see a fundamental shift in the nature, mode and means of delivery of care. Preventive and chronic care are best treated in an ambulatory environment close to the place where the patient resides. This transformation is already evident and shall continue to grow.