The past few weeks have been abuzz with health mergers and acquisitions. CVS has bought Aetna for a whopping $ 69 billion and went through the regulatory process with flying colors. Amazon (in its quest to take over the world) has partnered with Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and financial powerhouse JP Morgan to use their resources, influence and power to, according to Buffett, “address health care costs in our nation. “. Buffet also said that because the United States, with 18% of our gross domestic product, the United States is at a competitive disadvantage, with $ 3.3 trillion annually. He believes that the private sector can handle health care better than the government.

Albertson’s, a grocery company, is poised to acquire retail pharmacy giant Rite Aid. And now, Cigna, the insurance giant, is buying Express Scripts in a deal for more than 50 billion. Software giant Apple is digging into employee health as things start to roar at Wal-Mart, the retail monster.

After all that information, you need a break. But will a disruption to these businesses make America’s health care better?

However, as an advocate for the patient and supporter of caregivers, my main concern is this: Will this all be a victory for patients, caregivers and families? You know, health clients?

While the shakeup in healthcare is long overdue, is the combination of giants the right way?

First, this health care shakeup won’t be the last of the giants to combine. I’d be willing to bet on that. We still have to listen to people like Microsoft, Walgreens, Google or any of the generals (Electric, Motors, Mills). What about other insurers? Where is Humana or United Healthcare in this game?

Many companies will follow suit. It’s just a matter of time. I liken him to the most popular girl in high school getting into a relationship with the most popular boy and becoming a force to be reckoned with. Everyone will see the trend, its benefits and potential, and jump into it. Sorry about the high school analogy.

The point is, everyone sees that it is time for a change in healthcare.

So what’s in it for the patients / clients?

One thing we need to question is this: Are these corporations in it for the billions of dollars worth of healthcare, or do they really want better conditions, costs, and efficiency for patients? Will the combination of all these giants reach beyond their employees and meet the needs of all of our nation’s patients? What are their motives?

My mission is to empower patients and caregivers to navigate healthcare confidently and correctly, to save them and all parties involved time, money, and frustration. I show them that they have rights and responsibilities on their journey to health care and they must take a strong and active role in their care. Patients are the lifeblood of the healthcare system.

None of these giant combinations will be successful without patient / client acceptance. You’d better put all your goals in a nice and helpful package for patients, so that they feel supported and empowered. If these corporations can show how the patient will be helped and how their partnerships can save money for all parties involved, they should have no problem in the regulatory processes they face.

But I implore all of you giants … DO SOMETHING.

Do something for the 64% of Americans who avoid care because they fear the costs.

Do something for the working poor who earn too much from Medicaid and not enough to pay for rising health care premiums.

Do something that shows how health care can really be affordable and where the prices for services don’t have to be excessive.

Do something to empower patients and establish true transparency in healthcare costs

Do something about actual care and system processes to show that it doesn’t have to be as difficult or slow as it is today.

You giants have the power to change healthcare for the better for the foreseeable future and possibly forever. Please do not look from your Ivory Towers at us mere mortals and have no mercy on us or hope for the best. Do something.

Make it a victory for patients and we will all win.