InfuSystem
A medical device company providing infusion pumps and related services for outpatient therapy.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Golden Gate Capital2019-07-01
What Made It Great
Specialized infusion therapy equipment and services for oncology patients
What PE Will Likely Do
Reduction in nursing staff and replacement with less qualified personnel, leading to decreased quality of infusion therapy monitoring and support for oncology patients
Sale and leaseback of InfuSystem's specialized infusion equipment, potentially leading to deferred maintenance and older, less reliable devices being used
Aggressive upcoding of infusion therapy procedures to maximize reimbursement, without corresponding improvements in actual care quality
Elimination of unprofitable but essential services like home infusion or rural clinic support, reducing access to critical infusion therapy for some patients
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcement of 'operational efficiency' initiatives, leadership changes, and 'optimization' of the business
“6 to 12 months months”
Staffing cuts begin, with reductions in nursing staff and increased use of lower-skilled personnel to provide infusion therapy support
“12 to 24 months months”
Service quality declines as equipment maintenance is deferred, wait times for infusion therapy appointments increase, and essential services are cut
“24 to 36 months months”
Significant issues emerge, including equipment failures, quality of care scandals, and potential closure of InfuSystem's specialized infusion therapy clinics
“36+ months months”
Possible bankruptcy or fire sale of InfuSystem to another operator, further disrupting access to critical infusion therapy services for oncology patients
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Closely monitor any changes in the quality or availability of InfuSystem's infusion therapy services, and advocate for the preservation of essential services
Be aware of potential equipment reliability issues and request regular maintenance checks on any rented or leased infusion devices
Stay informed about any changes in nursing staff or the qualifications of personnel providing infusion therapy support
Alternatives
Community-focused healthcare
Integrated managed care consortium