ER Deaths Increase After Hospitals Are Purchased By Private Equity Firms

Key Takeaways

More people die in ERs after hospitals have been acquired by private equity firmsAbout 13% more deaths occur among Medicare patients in ERs after a hospital’s acquisitionStaff reduction and salary cuts likely contribute to this increase, researchers argue

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 24, 2025 (HealthDay News) — More people appear to die in emergency rooms (ER) after hospitals have been bought by private equity firms, a new study says.

About 13% more deaths occur among Medicare patients in the emergency rooms of hospitals after their acquisition by private equity, researchers estimate in the Annals of Internal Medicine .

Hospitals purchased by a private equity firm tend to cut salaries and staff following acquisition, under pressure to reduce debt and boost profits, researchers foun