This healthcare article is interesting in light of the ongoing debates surrounding veterinary access, costs and ownership. Despite differences in care delivery models, it is likely that high healthcare costs are extrapolated to anticipated veterinary cost perceptions.
Over the past decade, the number of doctors working for hospitals rather than in private practice has more than doubled, writes Elisabeth Rosenthal. Today 82 percent of physicians are employed by hospitals, other corporate entities, such as insurers, or private equity firms.
Healthcare integration is occurring at a breakneck pace across the nation, with endless permutations. While the stated purpose is generally greater efficiency, studies have shown that for patients, the net result has been higher prices and no benefit, or worse health outcomes.
Source: KFF Health News, September 8, 2026. Link. Patients being directed to a higher-priced location for procedures is a classic example of the predicted outcome of “vertical integration” in the healthcare system, when one company owns or controls multiple parts of a supply chain and can therefore direct patients to more expensive treatment options.
Image: Link.
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