AHA comments on recent MedPAC discussions on consolidation, IME

A recent Medicare Payment Advisory Committee discussion on consolidation within the health care field “presented a myopic view of the purported dangers of hospital mergers to the exclusion of their many benefits,” AHA said today in a letter to the commission. Among other concerns, AHA said the analysis of hospital mergers was flawed and oversimplified; and that contrary to what was reported at the meeting, the Federal Trade Commission has not under-enforced the antitrust laws in hospital mergers and physician integration with hospitals does benefit patients. AHA also raised concerns regarding MedPAC’s September discussions on potential changes to the Indirect Medical Education program, and urged the commission to share additional information and analysis on the effects of the proposals and adequately maintain financial support for teaching hospitals, a “crucial source of inpatient care and medical training.”