The latest report from the McKinsey Center for U.S. Health System Reform on health care spending from 2006 to 2009 sheds light on pre-reform trends and the impact of the recession.

In advance of full implementation of the Affordable Care Act, economic and regulatory forces are already reshaping the healthcare landscape.

The Department of Health and Human Services released rules March 31 for creation of new medical groups called Accountable Care Organizations, or ACOs. The proposed regulation offers financial incentives to healthcare networks that demonstrate they can save money while meeting certain quality standards.