Ask the expert: To merge or not to merge? That is the question.

Hospitals sometimes subscribe to merger myths when they consider joining forces with another facility. Knowing the truth can help you make a better decision.

Myth: Being in a larger group automatically means you have more control when negotiating payer rates.

Truth: The reality is that just being bigger doesn’t necessarily give you more leverage with payers. It depends on the market, the payer environment, which payers you’re dealing with, and how much market share they have and you have. If you hope for increased payer rates from a merger, your organization needs to be willing to play hardball with negotiating with insurance companies.

This week's question and answer are excerpted from Medical Staff Leaders’ Practical Guide, Sixth Edition, by William K. Cors, MD, MMM, FACPE, CMSL; Mary J. Hoppa, MD, MBA, CMSL; and Richard A. Sheff, MD, CMSL.