title: Charting new HMO territory. The action was in the Northeast last week, as WellPoint moved on WellChoice, and HIP-Group Health merger announced.
abstract: Consolidation in the industry made bigger strides last week, with two large managed-care deals and an information technology merger. While some fear the insurer deals will put even more price pressure on physicians and hospitals, the GE Healthcare-IDX merger drew some praise. James Thrall, left, of Massachusetts General Hospital, says it's likely to improve integration of radiology systems.
authors.forename: Laura B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Benko
mesh_terms: D004469:Economics, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D004470:Economics, Medical / Q000592:standards; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007182:Income; D007343:Insurance Carriers; D008873:Mid-Atlantic Region; D009511:New England; D009935:Organizational Affiliation; D014481:United States