Quality Care Partners
Operates urgent care centers and occupational health clinics.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Sentinel Capital Partners2015-06-10
What Made It Great
Convenient urgent care with employer-focused occupational health services
What PE Will Likely Do
Reduced staffing levels at urgent care centers and occupational health clinics, with more lower-skilled staff (LPNs, medical assistants) replacing higher-skilled RNs
Aggressive billing practices, with higher rates of upcoding to maximize reimbursement
Closure or scaling back of less profitable service lines like occupational health, mental health, or preventive care
Deterioration in wait times, bedside manner, and overall quality of care as staff are overworked and resources are constrained
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcements of 'operational improvements' and 'optimizations' to increase profitability
“6 to 12 months months”
Staffing reductions begin, with RNs replaced by lower-cost LPNs and medical assistants
“12 to 24 months months”
Patients start reporting longer wait times, rushed visits, and a decline in the quality of care
“24 to 36 months months”
Closure or scaling back of occupational health and other less profitable service lines, leading to further decline in access and quality of care
“36+ months months”
Potential bankruptcy or fire sale to another operator as quality issues and reputation damage take a toll
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Be prepared for longer wait times, rushed appointments, and potentially less experienced staff at Quality Care Partners' urgent care centers and occupational health clinics
Keep a close eye on your billing statements and advocate for appropriate coding to avoid being overcharged
Consider seeking care at alternative providers that maintain a stronger focus on quality and patient experience
Alternatives
Community-focused healthcare
Integrated managed care consortium