A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that mergers and acquisitions of U.S. hospitals and health systems do not usually improve the quality of care or reduce healthcare costs. Proponents of integration claim it improves cost control and care quality, but evidence suggests otherwise. The systematic review of studies from 2000-2024 showed that most integration efforts resulted in decreased quality of care and increased prices and spending. Only a small percentage of studies showed improved outcomes. The study recommends focusing on quality improvement efforts and standardizing metrics to benefit patients and the healthcare industry.
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Hospital mergers and acquisitions rarely improve health care value or reduce prices
