North Carolina hospital systems call off merger

Atrium Health, formerly known as Carolinas HealthCare System, has suspended merger talks with UNC Health Care, the Charlotte Observer reports.

Between the lines: The two hospital systems proposed combining in August. But the deal was hampered by antitrust concerns, secret discussions and questions about how costs would be lowered for consumers.

Yes, but: Atrium is buying a hospital system in Georgia, so the deal-making is still going on.