Confluent Health
Operates outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy clinics.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by TPG Capital2017-08-31
What Made It Great
High-quality outpatient rehabilitation with clinical excellence focus
What PE Will Likely Do
Reduction in the number of physical and occupational therapists, leading to longer wait times for appointments and decreased one-on-one therapy time with patients
Closure of some less profitable clinic locations, forcing patients to travel further to access care
Increased emphasis on billing for higher-reimbursement procedures and diagnoses, even if they are not clinically necessary
Deferral of investments in new equipment and technology, resulting in outdated or malfunctioning rehabilitation devices
Increased patient-to-therapist ratios, leading to shorter appointment lengths and reduced individualized attention
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcements of 'optimization' and 'efficiency' programs, potential leadership changes
“6 to 12 months months”
Gradual staffing cuts, clinic closures, and changes to billing practices begin
“12 to 24 months months”
Noticeable decline in service quality, with longer wait times, reduced therapy time, and older equipment
“24 to 36 months months”
Potential for major quality issues, such as patient safety incidents or regulatory violations
“36+ months months”
Possibility of bankruptcy, clinic closures, or sale to another operator that may further erode service quality
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Monitor for any changes in the availability of physical and occupational therapy appointments, as well as the length and quality of those appointments
Be vigilant for any unexpected or questionable billing practices, and advocate for transparent and appropriate billing
Stay informed about any clinic closures or changes in the rehabilitation equipment and technology available at Confluent Health locations
Consider seeking alternative healthcare providers if the quality of care at Confluent Health deteriorates significantly
Alternatives
Community-focused healthcare
Integrated managed care consortium