Recent Trends in Massachusetts Hospital Markets

This project examines changing market consolidation of hospitals in Massachusetts over the period 2001–2011 and examines for associations with distances travelled by patients. Trends in inpatient market shares are analyzed by computing standard measures of market concentration for appropriate geographic and product markets. These trends are examined for all inpatient services as well as for specific high margin/high technology services. Sustained market consolidation can impact patients’ availability and choice of hospital providers that is reflected in the distance traveled by them to avail these services. The findings shed light on patient access to inpatient services that may be impacted through increases in market power of hospital systems over the long term.