Historically, doctors’ practices have been relatively small, and owned by doctors themselves. Hospitals and insurance companies have also bought out many independent physicians’ practices. Optum, an arm of the publicly traded UnitedHealth Group, which also owns one of the nation’s largest insurers, employs roughly 70,000 physicians. Private equity is often viewed by physicians as an attractive alternative to having their practice bought by a hospital. “It can be a really good thing, but the private equity firms have to keep their promises and be held accountable,” she said.

---

Persons: ’, “, ”, Richard Scheffler, Lisa Walkush, Grant Thornton, Michael Kroin Organizations: Physicians, Institute, Petris, . Hospitals, UnitedHealth Group, Growth Partners Locations: U.S, Berkeley, Chicago