The Annals of thoracic surgery
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The present era of health care places major emphasis on significantly reducing cost and resource utilization while maintaining quality of care and patient satisfaction. Clinicians are being challenged to achieve this within the framework of a patient subset that is increasing in severity of disease and risk-adjusted mortality. The Brigham and Women's Cardiac Surgical Services Management Group was formed in 1987 to help accomplish these goals. ⋯ The goals of cost-containment with improved patient care and outcome are possible through the collaborative efforts of representatives of all the personnel involved in cardiac care, as well as leadership by the surgical faculty.