Physician practice acquisitions on the rise: GAO

Healthcare DIVE September 24, 2025
Emily Olsen

Consolidation with health systems can lead to higher prices, alongside a decrease or no change in care quality, according to a review from the Government Accountability Office.

Dive Brief:

• Fewer doctors are employed by independent physician practices as offices are acquired by health systems, insurers, private equity firms and other companies, according to a review of studies published Monday by the Government Accountability Office.
• For example, about 47% of physicians worked for or were affiliated with hospital systems last year, compared with less than 30% in 2012, according to a study by the American Medical Association cited in the report. Other research showed similar increases in consolidation between practices and hospital systems.
• Physician consolidation with health systems...

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