A Decade of Decreasing Reimbursement Strains Gastroenterology Practices and Threatens Their Independence (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Over the past decade, a remarkable number of independent community gastroenterologists became part of larger groups, primarily due to financial concerns. Although the number of gastroenterologists increased between 2012 and 2020, the number of associated practices decreased by more than 650 (14%), with the number of physicians practicing in groups of less than 10 decreasing by nearly 1500 (35%).¹ Simultaneously, the number of self-employed physicians decreased,² while the number of hospital-employed and private equity affiliated physicians increased.^3,4 Surveys of practices engaged in such consolidative behavior most often cite financial uncertainty given increased costs, decreased revenues, and continuing regulatory pressures, along with personal financial gains, as important motivations.^5,6