"The [ACA] has served as a catalyst to accelerate the consolidation movement [in the U.S. health care industry] ... Several trends are beginning to emerge ... [1] As reimbursement rates continue their downward trend and the costs of maintaining infrastructure and regulatory compliance march ever higher, the acute care industry seeks scale to better manage costs.... [2] The stand-alone hospital may be an endangered species ... [3] Health plans, which also continue to consolidate, are dipping their toes into the provider business through the acquisition of medical groups."  MORE >>