The total number of healthcare mergers and acquisitions hit a record high in 2018, and dozens of deals have been announced so far this year.
Here are five transactions involving hospitals and health systems that were announced, finalized or moved forward since Sept. 17:
1. Proposed merger would create 33-hospital network in Louisiana
The board of trustees of Lafayette (La.) General Health and New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System signed a letter of intent to merge, the health systems announced Sept. 25.
2. St. Christopher's sale approved, prompting concern over chief heart surgeon's contract
A bankruptcy court approved the sale of St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia to a nonprofit duo for $50 million, which prompted concern from the hospital's physicians about the hospital's status as a trauma center.
3. Maryland hospitals merge, unveil name for combined system
Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Md., and Doctors Community Health System, a single-hospital system based in Lanham, Md., merged to create a new system: Luminis Health.
4. Lehigh Valley Health to acquire Coordinated Health
Lehigh Valley Health Network plans to acquire Coordinated Health, a system focused on orthopedic services that employs 1,200 people at more than 20 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Both systems are headquartered in Allentown, Pa.
5. Mon Health helps West Virginia community hospital stay afloat
Morgantown, W.Va.-based Mon Health System and Grafton (W.Va.) City Hospital entered into an affiliation agreement that will help the 25-bed community hospital stay afloat.
More articles on healthcare industry transactions:
Partners' plan to buy New Hampshire hospital blocked by AG
6 hospital mergers called off in past year
AHA says hospital mergers are good — economists say otherwise