Despite Glowing Report, Benefits of Hospital Mergers Are Questioned

Hospital mergers have helped reduce costs and improve patient care, according to a new report from the American Hospital Association that some in the workers' comp industry are greeting with skepticism. The report was prepared for AHA by economists with Charles River Associates and was based on interviews with executives at 10 health systems. It found that hospital acquisitions were associated with a 2.3% decrease in annual operating expenses at the acquired facilities.  And revenues per admission at the acquired hospitals fell by 3.5% compared to non-merging hospitals, the report s...