The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that public and private health systems are building in new markets and expanding their existing properties, taking big-name health systems into neighborhoods that previously seemed off limits and giving way to the biggest construction and expansion undertakings in decades.
Smaller community hospitals and free-standing ERs are being built in more communities across Florida, bringing more beds and better medical technology with them. Yet some experts believe it is inevitable that the activity will result in higher medical costs and premiums.
“The capital expenditures these health systems are making are very significant,” said James Farrell, Chair of Shutts & Bowen’s Health Care Practice Group. “You will have more choices but you will pay more for them.”
Jim also spoke to the publication about how private and public hospital cities are becoming aggressive competitors as they chase population growth in the state. He stated that no hospital system can sit idle with outdated hospitals and technology and watch competitors buy up land, upgrade their medical campuses and forge into new areas. “You just can’t be standing still, that’s for sure.”
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About James A. Farrell
James A. Farrell is a partner in the West Palm Beach office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is the Chair of the Health Care Practice Group. Jim is Florida Bar Board Certified in Health Law. A Martindale-Hubbell AV® rated attorney, he's been named among the Best Lawyers in America® in Health Law since 2006 and has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers in Health Law since 2006. A former hospital executive and general counsel, Jim specializes in healthcare mergers and acquisitions, managed care and joint venture development. He understands the demands of running a complex business in a regulatory environment. He now lends his expertise in law and health care management to companies making transitions in the industry.