Experts share how hospital consolidation could impact patients [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – UAB Health Systems announced Tuesday they will acquire Ascension St. Vincent’s hospital. The $450 million deal will include seven locations across five counties in Alabama.

WBRC is talking to experts about what the major hospital merger could mean for you.

While every hospital merger nationwide is different, a few key things stand out. Experts say on one hand, it ensures the hospital being acquired can keep the doors open. On the other hand, patients might notice more changes than just the name on the sign.

Tricia Neuman is a Senior Vice President of KFF, which is a health policy research and news organization. She says when hospitals merge, sometimes patients don’t notice much of a difference at all. Other times, services they’re used to change, whether that’s adding more or taking some away.

Neuman says there’s also a fair amount of evidence that shows the consolidation of hospitals leads …