The nationwide organization reportedly disapproves of the merger because it may affect the practices of non-affiliated physicians. Marni Carey, executive director of the organization, said officials at both hospitals are “playing a shell game,” where they claim the merger will increase operational efficiency, but will actually cause healthcare costs to increase and limit patients’ choices of physicians to visit, according to the article.
In a statement to the Johnson City Press, officials from Wellmont and MSHA said they have continued to “work closely with independent physicians throughout the merger process and have used their feedback to craft commitments that benefit independent physicians,” according to the article.
The Federal Trade Commission, which sides with AID in the dispute, similarly voiced its concerns regarding the merger in late September and again in October.
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