Hospital Declines Seen Persisting as Patients’ Costs Rise

A drop in U.S. hospital admissions that is hurting profit at Community Health Systems Inc., Tenet Healthcare Corp. and other operators may persist as companies and consumers grapple with shifts in health-care economics.

Community Health, the second-largest U.S. hospital system, reduced its full-year earnings forecast yesterday as it said 2013 admissions would fall 1 percent to 3 percent. Tenet, the third-biggest hospital chain, said last month second-quarter admissions would drop 3.5 percent. Community Health shares fell 8.8 percent today, while Tenet lost 2.4 percent.