• Those doctors who have remained strong financially are now looking at this difficult economic time as an opportunity to renew their leases, relocate, or purchase new space all together. Lease rates are as low as they were in 2005 and many include generous build out allowances. Furthermore, contractors and builders are so hungry for work that you can build out your space for extremely low prices.
• Medical offices are in constant need of upgrading office equipment and computers to remain efficient. New equipment and upgrades are at bargain basement prices along with fierce competition in bidding. From office furniture to fancy new x-ray equipment and MRI scanners, suppliers are hungry for sales dollars and that means unheard of discounting that is rarely seen.
• Patients are holding off on having surgery because they are concerned about whether they can afford the co-pays and if they will be able to take off enough time from work to recover without being laid off. However, that applies to only elective surgery or medical care. Most medical treatments are eventually necessary and/or unavoidable. While consumers can cut back on discretionary items such as new clothes or autos, they can only put off medical needs for a short time. Ultimately, people have to see to their health or they won't be around to enjoy the next economic boom.
• With the opening of the new UCF Medical School and over 10,000 live births per year at Winnie Palmer Hospital (among other busy medical centers); the Orlando Medical market has been able to weather this economic storm. Sure, several area hospitals have recently reported losses for the year, but it hasn't stopped new construction and expansion, (i.e. Ginsberg Tower, MD Anderson Center expansion). Hospital administrators know in the long term, the growth will be there driving the need for more services and hospital beds. Ambulatory surgical centers are thriving as well albeit at a slower pace that in boom times.
• After interviewing several large medical practices, I learned that medical groups are also taking this time to streamline their business practices so that they work more efficiently. While a few groups are laying people off, other practices are restructuring many jobs for their employees so they are ready for the next economic cycle.
• Most medical groups are optimistic for the near future except the uncertainty regarding extreme changes proposed by the current Congress and President. Although, it is possible that any change will be incremental, the current health care debate has put a cloud over the future in many physicians' minds.

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