One new study finds that doctors who shifted to hospital employment were more likely to refer their patients for “inappropriate” MRIs. Another links the shift to a rise in tests ordered for Medicare patients.
Expert Commentary
Hospital consolidations tend to raise prices without necessarily improving quality of care, according to a wide body of research.
Expert Commentary
The number of independent hospitals has declined in recent years as a result of mergers, while the number of hospitals that are part of larger systems has risen. It’s important for local reporters to look into what that means for their communities.
Expert Commentary
Hospital mergers may result in increased health care costs, even when a merger doesn’t reduce competition in a market, according to new research by UCLA economist Matt Schmitt.
Expert Commentary