Physician practice acquisitions on the rise: GAO

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 can lead to higher prices, as well as a decrease or no change in care quality, according to the report. However, the impact of consolidation with other entities — like payers, pr