[temp231239]

I am hopeful of these changes, too. But market alone won't have any influence in deterring hospitals from charging arbitrary charges. Market works best when there are range of options available, but in case of hospitals in US only few big players are hoarding all medicinal resources leaving patients with no choice.

[rayiner]

That doesn’t seem true. I live in a small city and have three major hospitals within a 20 minute drive, plus half a dozen urgent cares.

[ceejayoz]

Most of the urgent cares in my area (Rochester, NY) are being taken over by the local university medical system. Those that aren’t are closing as a new URMC urgent care opens up across the street.

They own several hospitals in the city. They’ve also bought up several formerly independent hospitals in the surrounding more rural areas.

My understanding is that this approach is becoming increasingly common.