Merger heats up climate of local health care industry. (Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp.; HealthTrust Incorporated-The Hospital Co.) (Health Care Quarterly) (Industry Overview)

Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp.'s recent move to acquire HealthTrust Inc. for $3.3 billion should improve the health care climate in North Texas, say company representatives as well as others in the industry who are not involved in the deal.

The proposed acquisition, announced on Oct. 4, is the latest in a string of purchases by Columbia and continues an industrywide trend to create networks of hospitals that can become more competitive in the nation's fast-changing health care scene.

"Our strategy is to build networks that can provide cost-effective, quality health care," said Lindy Richardson, senior vice president of marketing and public affairs at Columbia, which is based in Louisville, Ky. "This merger -- and when I say networks, I mean networks that will have rehab services, skilled nursing care and psychiatric care -- will enable …