2. Patient access. The accessibility of healthcare services is impacted by the consolidation of healthcare systems. 3. Physician-patient relationship. The nature of the physician-patient relationship is evolving as a result of the consolidation. 4. Cost of care. The cost of care is a significant concern for both patients and physicians, and consolidation can exacerbate this issue. 5. Quality of care. The quality of care is impacted by the consolidation of healthcare systems, with potential for both positive and negative consequences.

* **Higher prices:** Consolidation in healthcare, particularly in the hospital sector, has been linked to increased healthcare prices. * **Cost increase:** Consolidation often results in higher spending on healthcare services, leading to increased costs for patients and insurance providers. * **Evidence from KFF data:** The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) has published data demonstrating the correlation between consolidation and price hikes in healthcare. * **Hospital vs. physician consolidation:** While some studies focus on hospital-physician consolidation as a whole, others find a stronger association between price increases and hospital consolidation specifically.

Many of these groups have been forced to merge or sell their practices to larger healthcare systems, often at a significant financial loss. This trend has led to a consolidation of physician practices, resulting in fewer independent practices and a more concentrated market.