Steward Health Care Responds to Federal Trade Commission Vote on Sale of Utah Hospitals

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Related to the vote by the Federal Trade Commission, Steward Health Care issued the following statement:

“We are deeply disappointed in the decision by the Federal Trade Commission. We believe the FTC has misread the pro-competitive potential of this transaction and completely ignored the fact that the market is, in fact, dominated by two different major health systems. The FTC’s analysis is also based on antiquated methods that do not take into account such things as outpatient migration patterns. As such we will continue to advocate strongly for this sale that would not only support continued investment, but also expand care options for communities across the state of Utah, driving down healthcare costs and continuing to increase quality. We are exploring a variety of options and upon further review, we will make a determination regarding the next steps. Steward Health Care is committed to providing patient-centered, high quality health care and believes the transaction would bring increased access and improved competition to this market.”

About Steward Health Care System

Nearly a decade ago, Steward Health Care System emerged as a different kind of health care company designed to usher in a new era of wellness, one that provides our patients better, more proactive care at a sustainable cost, our providers unrivaled coordination of care, and our communities greater prosperity and stability. As the country’s largest physician-led, tax paying, integrated health care system, our doctors can be certain that we share their interests and those of their patients.

Together we are on a mission to revolutionize the way health care is delivered - creating healthier lives, thriving communities and a better world.

Steward is among the nation’s largest and most successful accountable care organizations (ACO), with more than 6,600 providers and 43,000 health care professionals who care for 12.3 million patients a year through a closely integrated network of hospitals, multispecialty medical groups, urgent care centers, skilled nursing facilities and behavioral health centers.

Based in Dallas, Steward currently operates 39 hospitals across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah.