Joe Paduda: The latest analysis echoes previous studies that found consolidation of hospitals/health systems leads to higher prices and questionable outcome results - for all payer types, including work comp.

Quick takes:

  • 4 out of 5 smaller metro areas had only one healthcare system.
  • consolidation among providers (in this case, physician offices joining systems) has increased and driven higher Medicare spending and commercial prices.

Read the full article here.  It includes some data and graphics from WCRI's Impact of Medical Provider Consolidation on Workers’ Compensation Payments.  Visit its page on our website for more information, including on how you can get a copy!