ALSO NOTED: Maricopa Medical Center plans $500M hospital; Carolinas HealthCare buys Lincoln Health System; and much more...

> Pheonix, AZ-based Maricopa Medical Center is planning a $500 million hospital to replace its currently outdated 621-bed facility. Administrators say that the design of the old building is in need of change because it offers patients little privacy as well as several safety concerns. The hospital industry is in the midst of an ongoing building boom--they're projected to spend $20 billion on construction this year alone. Report

> As part of an effort to revamp Medicare's inpatient payment system, CMS has hired RIT International and RAND Corporation to analyze hospital charges for procedures and supplies. Report

> In San Jose, CA, the SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West and HCA have reached an agreement for five hospitals after 15 days of intense negotiations. Report

> Charlotte-based Carolinas HealthCare has bought Lincoln Health System and will invest $100 million in building a new hospital. Report

And Finally... A study published in Health Affairs finds that charging patients higher copays for specialty pharmacy drugs doesn't affect whether or not patients use them. Article