Story perspectives

Private Equity Hospitals Linked to Increased Patient Deaths

10/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study from the Annals of Internal Medicine finds that private equity acquisitions of hospitals are associated with seven more deaths per 10,000 Medicare patients in emergency departments.
Private equity-owned hospitals employ fewer staff and lower salaries.
Private equity-owned hospitals transfer 12% more emergency patients to other facilities, often sicker.
Experts argue that cost-cutting measures may harm patient care.
Accountability is limited because private equity firms are insulated from lawsuits.

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Story summary

A study from the Annals of Internal Medicine finds that private equity acquisitions of hospitals are associated with seven more deaths per 10,000 Medicare patients in emergency departments.
Private equity-owned hospitals employ fewer staff and lower salaries.
Private equity-owned hospitals transfer 12% more emergency patients to other facilities, often sicker.
Experts argue that cost-cutting measures may harm patient care.
Accountability is limited because private equity firms are insulated from lawsuits.