US Dermatology Partners
Network of dermatology practices across the United States.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Ares Management2016-06-01
What Made It Great
Accessible dermatology care from local physicians in convenient locations.
What PE Will Likely Do
Reduction in the number of dermatologists and nurses, leading to longer wait times for appointments and less personalized care
Shift towards less experienced or lower-cost staff like physician assistants or nurse practitioners instead of board-certified dermatologists
Closure or consolidation of less profitable dermatology practice locations, reducing access to convenient local care
Increased pressure on dermatologists to see more patients per day, leading to shorter appointment times and less thorough examinations
Deferral of investments in new technology, equipment, and facilities upgrades, causing the quality of diagnostic and treatment capabilities to stagnate
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcements of 'optimization' and 'efficiency' initiatives, likely including a leadership shuffle
“6 to 12 months months”
Initial staffing cuts and service reviews, with some practice locations being targeted for closure
“12 to 24 months months”
Noticeable decline in patient satisfaction due to longer wait times, shorter appointments, and lower-experience providers
“24 to 36 months months”
Potential closure of less profitable practice locations, quality scandals due to medical errors or patient safety issues
“36+ months months”
Possibility of bankruptcy or sale to another operator, further disrupting patient access and continuity of care
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Be aware of any changes in your dermatology provider's staffing, locations, and service offerings
If you notice longer wait times, less time with your provider, or any decline in the quality of care, consider switching to a non-PE-owned dermatology practice
Stay informed about any news or issues related to US Dermatology Partners, and be prepared to advocate for your access to high-quality dermatological care
Alternatives
Community-focused healthcare
Integrated managed care consortium