System growth a close race. 1997 multi-unit providers survey finds not-for-profits ahead by a nose.

For the first time in five years, the biggest dealmakers in 1996 were not-for-profit systems, not their giant for-profit brethren. But it was a close race, according to this year's Multi-unit Providers Survey. Based on total hospitals, not-for-profits grew 12% vs 11.3% at for-profits. In the psychiatric sector, the number of facilities rose 17%, but the number of deals tumbled 26%. And in the post-acute sector, outpatient and rehab services led the way.