The American Hospital Association released a report stating that hospital acquisitions allow providers to provide better care at a lower cost to patients.
The report, which revisited an analysis concluding similar results three years ago, found acquisitions decrease cost due to the increased size of a combined system as well as clinical standardization.
Specifically, the AHA said hospital acquisitions lead to a 2.3 percent reduction in annual operating expenses at acquired hospitals. The study also said readmission and mortality rates decline at merging hospitals, and acquired hospitals see revenues per admission decline 3.5 percent, suggesting "savings that accrue to merging hospitals are passed on to patients and their health plans."
However, the AHA's findings — which were largely based on interviews with leaders of 10 health systems who weren't randomly surveyed — contradict a wealth of economic data published that argues the opposite.
Last year, researchers found hospitals in monopoly markets, compared to hospitals in markets with four or more competitors, have prices that are 12 percent higher. In markets with four or more competitors, hospitals have lower prices and take on more financial risk, researchers said. Another independent analysis found hospital prices rise after hospitals combine. Researchers have also questioned whether consolidation really leads to better quality.
More articles on transactions and valuation:
Health industry transactions ramped up in July
CHS sells 2 Florida hospitals
Quorum's sale of California hospital moves forward