Private equity ownership of gastroenterology practices has led to higher prices and spending, but showed no effect on quality, according to a JAMA Health Forum analysis of more than 1.1 million patients at thousands of sites between 2012 and 2021.
Researchers found colonoscopy prices at PE-acquired practices rose 4.5% compared with independent practices, while spending per physician increased 16%.
The number of procedures and patients per physician also grew, but there was no statistically significant change in quality measures such as polypectomy detection, incomplete procedures or adverse events.
“Policymakers may be well advised to monitor PE investment in physician practices, given the increase in prices and spending without a commensurate increase in quality,” lead author Daniel Arnold, PhD, of Brown University, said.
While critics warn PE ownership threatens physician autonomy and inflates costs, industry leaders argue it can expand access and improve efficiency.
