Report: When Hospitals Buy Physician Practices, Prices Go Up

Hospital acquisitions of physician practices are driving up prices for childbirth and other services, reports the Minnesota Reformer. The study cited in the article found that the share of physicians in the United States working for hospitals has nearly doubled, reducing independent practices and limiting competition. Advocates argue consolidation inflates costs and undermines affordability for patients. Experts suggest stronger antitrust oversight to curb rising prices.