Year in review 2002.

The year opened on a somber note, with the nation still struggling to cope with the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and subsequent anthrax scare. The healthcare industry was scrambling to be ready for any future attacks and pondering the best preparedness measures. Meanwhile, compliance and quality of care simmered on the back burner, along with soaring malpractice insurance costs and growing budget deficits in the states. And debate over provider reimbursement rates, staffing shortages and more double-digit increases in the cost of healthcare coverage also made headlines.