Most CO hospitals report strong profits

Most Colorado hospitals reported strong profits to the federal government for 2010, as consolidation has given them clout to demand more money from insurance companies. Mergers also have given the hospitals economies of scale and allowed them to save money on supplies. Drives for efficient, quality care also are also key reasons for the hospitals' financial strength, industry experts said. "Three systems control about two-thirds of the hospital market in Metro Denver, and HCA-HealthOne alone has about 30 percent," said industry research consultant Allan Baumgarten, who compiles the profit data in his Colorado Health Market Review.