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October 25, 2002 at 08:00 PM
NU Online News Service, Oct. 25, 3:20 p.m. – The rapid proliferation of new medical technology and rising hospital consolidations are leading causes of recent double-digit health care cost increases, says the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Chicago.
Recent research by BCBSA into the causes of fast-rising health care costs found that of all the key market forces forcing up these costs, 79% are wrapped up in hospital and physician expenses, while pharmaceuticals make up about 21%. The association concludes that inpatient hospital expenditures are outstripping pharmaceutical outlays as a primary reason for healthcare inflation.
