Hospital mergers and their impact on radiology

As hospitals enter a new era of competition for patients, changing methods of reimbursement will likely reduce the inpatient volume historically experienced. Because of these and other factors, some hospitals have entered into mergers to remain financially viable. This article examines the causes, benefits and pitfalls of hospital mergers, as well as their impact on radiology departments. A description of the merger of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Evangelical Deaconess Hospital into the Samaritan Health Center of Detroit, Michigan is presented along with an overview of the significant impact on the radiology department.