Affiliations between hospitals have been growing in number nationally since the late 1970's.

Most other flights involve the transfer of patients between hospitals.

There was no reason in principle to differentiate between private hospitals and other service providers.

The building of transportation networks between hospitals and the front.

They revealed wide variations between hospitals and among surgeons within the same institution.

"Mergers reduce the scope for competition between hospitals," she said.

Should there be more to the way we manage hospital care than just competition between hospitals?

Historically, funds were distributed between hospitals based on historical costs.

One study of 214,000 patient records found no differences in death rates between for-profit and nonprofit hospitals.

They may also provide care during transport between hospitals.