No abstract

No abstract

Much of the US health care system relies on private physician practices. Little is known about the role of private equity in today's health care delivery system. From 2010 to 2017, the value of private equity deals involving the acquisition of a health care-related company (most involving physician practices and hospitals) increased 187% and reached $42.6 billion, while the number of health care deals increased by 48% (eFigure in the Supplement). 1 Given the increasing role of this type of financing, physicians and policy makers should understand private equity, common strategies used by its firms, and the potential risks and benefits for physicians and patients.