over 500 autism therapy centers
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Unknown PE Firm
What PE Will Likely Do
Staffing reductions at autism therapy centers, with fewer highly-trained therapists and more lower-cost assistants providing care
Potential closure of some therapy centers, especially in less profitable or rural areas, leaving families with longer travel times and reduced access to services
Increases in billing and coding practices to maximize reimbursements, potentially leading to over-diagnosis or unnecessary treatments
Reduction in the quality and duration of therapy sessions as therapists are required to see more patients per day
Deferral of investments in new therapies, equipment, and facility upgrades as the PE firm focuses on extracting returns
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcements of 'operational optimization' and leadership changes at the autism therapy centers
“6 to 12 months months”
Staffing reductions begin, with fewer highly-trained therapists and more lower-cost assistants
“12 to 24 months months”
Noticeable declines in the quality and duration of therapy sessions, longer wait times for appointments
“24 to 36 months months”
Potential closure of some therapy centers, especially in less profitable or rural areas
“36+ months months”
Ongoing issues with access, quality, and sustainability of the autism therapy services
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Closely monitor any changes in the quality, duration, and availability of therapy services at the autism centers
Advocate for maintaining high standards of care and staffing levels, even if it means higher costs or reduced profit margins for the PE firm
Be prepared to seek alternative providers or support services if the quality of care at the acquired autism centers begins to decline
Alternatives
Community-focused healthcare
Integrated managed care consortium