This book focuses not only on quality care but also on the superior economy that accompanies it. It is the first book of its kind written primarily to the public. It is also for journalists, on whom we depend for insight into a health care system that has become very powerful over our everyday lives, whether we are sick or well. It centers on the practice of nurses and physicians at the bedside as well as hospital leadership and management It reveals the hallmarks of quality in hospital service and explains how anyone can readily determine if these components are present or absent in their community hospitals.