Rampant consolidation in health care has resulted in higher prices for patients. This consolidation — whether by private equity firms or other large health systems — has not resulted in higher quality care, and in some cases, it has made care quality worse.
In September, Ellen MacInnis, a nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston, trekked to Washington, D.C., to testify before a Senate committee about the extreme cost-savings measures mandated by the hospital’s parent company, the now-bankrupt Steward Health Care. The private equity-backed company had been busy buying up hospitals and doctors’ groups, then putting the squeeze on them to maximize profits.
The then-CEO of Steward Health Care was called to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. He refused and resigned soon after.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in
