In order to gain insight into the state of the economy, some analysts utilize consumer and business surveys. Randomly-selected consumers and businesspersons are asked to provide their views about the state of the economy. If a survey shows that the majority of those surveyed express optimism, it is regarded as good news for the economy. Conversely, if the majority of those surveyed are pessimistic, it is taken as a bad omen.

In the pursuit of market-based changes in health care, it is important to pay attention to proposals that are both fundamental and smaller, but represent a step in the right direction. The former category can include the radical deregulation of health care by abolishing monopolistic institutions like the AMA or FDA.