Benjamin Franklin wearing mask on U.S. currency Findings suggest that more vigorous antitrust enforcement could lead to more efficient outcomes in hospital markets where competition is geographically feasible. (Photo: Shutterstock)

In many areas, care at higher-priced hospitals does not result in lower mortality rates, a new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

The study follows recent findings that U.S. hospital systems are becoming increasingly consolidated through mergers and acquisitions. The NBER paper noted that hospital mergers can raise prices and that hospitals in highly concentrated markets tend to have higher prices. The NBER researchers were exploring whether those higher-cost hospitals are delivering higher-quality care.

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