Reams of research show that the level of hospital consolidation today — 75% of markets are now considered highly consolidated — decreases patient choice, impedes innovation, erodes quality, and raises prices.

Name recognition can be a powerful asset in sales, so when you're visible by speaking, writing articles and sharing them with your connections, you gradually become the "go to" for benefit plans and retirement planning.

"Companies are reevaluating their recruitment strategies to adapt to the new reality and appealing to candidates by highlighting their commitment to employee safety, flexible work arrangements and robust support programs," the study concluded.

Hospital system AdventHealth has filed a lawsuit against MultiPlan, alleging the cost-management firm has systematically underpaid hospitals and doctors at least $19 billion per year for out-of-network reimbursements.