This book describes how federal agencies are attempting to gain full control over the healthcare system, and how such efforts can impair patient-physician relationships, the services that are delivered, and public support. This book indicates the struggle for control that is taking place today. First, a simplified way is developed to treat agencies and providers as organizations, in order to provide a foundation for the following discussions. Then, a detailed look is taken, step by step, at the ways in which agency pressures are impacting hospitals and integrated care networks, physician practices, Medicare and Medicaid, the use of fraud and abuse laws, antitrust laws and competition, medical devices and drugs, behavioral health programs, and digital networking. A potential game plan is presented for compromise solutions that may achieve a balance between agency regulations and independent healthcare operations.