[alephnerd]

> why would a hospital system choose to grow for instance? where would the $$ come from to buy other ones

Not all networks are for-profit.

By merging into larger networks, you allow hospital networks to consolidate the very expensive back-office processes like billing, insurance, IT, procurement, staffing, etc.

All the intermediate "glue" needed for medical care has grown expensive due to either compliance or general profiteering, which forced consolidation in order to leverage economies of scale.

This is why both for-profit and non-profit networks have been increasingly merging.

[mistrial9]

as an outsider to this system of systems, I don't think anyone understand all of the parts, or all of the dynamics going on.. details with factual references are very much appreciated on this weighty subject!

[reboot81]

From the other side of the pond: As my 10-year old summarized some time ago: ”the fire and rescue department needs fires, the police needs criminals and the hospitals need sick people. That’s kinda backwards!”

If these functions in society receive public funding, are of public interest, there should not be any way it’s main objective is to create finacial profit.