A recent JAMA Health Forum study highlights a growing concern in gastroenterology: colonoscopy prices have risen significantly faster at private equity-acquired practices than at independent ones — by about 4.5% overall, and 6.7% in high-market-share areas. Despite these price hikes, the quality of care remains statistically unchanged, based on six standard measures.
Lead researcher Dr. Daniel Arnold of Brown University notes that while consolidation may offer operational efficiency, it’s not translating to better outcomes. “Higher prices without better quality challenges the justification often given for consolidation,” he said.
As the pressure of consolidation increases, GI physicians are left weighing trade-offs — administrative burden vs. autonomy, access vs. affordability, coordination vs. cost.