Practice Vertical Integration Highest Among Specialties

A new study examines vertical integration of physician practices from 2007-2017 and finds considerable variation among specialties, with oncology and cardiology leading the way.

A new study this week in Health Affairs examined the consolidation of physician practices by hospitals over the past decade and found that rates of growth were highest among medical and surgical specialty practices and lowest among primary care practices.

Within the specialties, the study found considerable variation in the levels of vertical integration from 2007 through 2017, ranging from 4 percentage points in dermatology to 34 percentage points in cardiology and oncology.

Study lead author Sayeh S. Nikpay, an assistant professor of health policy at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, spoke with HealthLeaders Media...