Hospital Merger Illustrates Trends

Michigan Hospital Systems in Merger Talks by Matthew Dolan and Christina Rogers.  The Wall Street Journal.  October 31, 2012.

The planned merger of two of Michigan's largest hospital systems illustrates broad trends impacting hospital nationwide.

(1)  The shift from inpatient to outpatient care;

(2)  Deterioration of robust growth resulting from erosion of employee benefits;

(3)  Increased competitive pressure and pressure on the bottom line from unpaid bills nd charity cases

(4)  Expansion of coverage coupled with reduced reimbursements under Medicare resulting from the Affordable Care Act;