A new Institute of Medicine report says that hospitals  can deliver services much faster, and with quality improvements, without  adding much to costs.

Among the recommended strategies:

• Matching supply and demand through continuing evaluation.
• Immediately determining  need when the patient inquires about services.
• Learning when the patient wants to come in, and what kind of care is desired.
• Offering need-tailored, technology-enabled alternatives to clinic visits, when appropriate.
• Formal planning for patient surges.
• Constantly assessing changing circumstances.