A PYMNTS Company

US: Industry, regulators see troubling trends with hospital mergers

By  |  October 7, 2014

A recent study shows that prices generally increase following a merger between hospitals, according to reports.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Catalyst for Payment Reform released a study that found hospital industry prices have increased by 3 percent in recent years due to various mergers, and that some hospital systems hike prices even more following the consummation of a tie-up.

    Catalyst for Payment Reform executive director Suzanne Delbanco explored the study’s findings and noted that “when mergers happen in already concentrated markets, price increases can exceed 20 percent.”

    Federal officials are similarly concerned over this trend, say reports.

    The Federal Trade Commission has challenged several major hospital mergers in recent months, including deals in Georgia, Illinois and Ohio.

    Full content: Healthcare Drive

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.