US Physical Therapy
One of the largest physical therapy clinic networks.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by H.I.G. Capital2022-01-01
What Made It Great
Patient-focused physical therapy with personalized treatment plans.
What PE Will Likely Do
Reduction in the number of physical therapists and other clinical staff, leading to longer wait times and less personalized care for patients
Replacement of experienced physical therapists with less-qualified personnel to reduce labor costs
Reduction in the quality and duration of physical therapy sessions, with a focus on maximizing the number of patients seen rather than the quality of care
Potential closing of less profitable clinic locations, forcing patients to travel further to receive care
Aggressive billing practices, such as upcoding of procedures and diagnoses, to maximize reimbursement from insurance providers
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcements of 'operational improvements' and leadership changes, but no visible changes to patient experience
“6 to 12 months months”
Staffing reductions and clinic consolidations begin, leading to longer wait times and less personalized care
“12 to 24 months months”
Noticeable decline in the quality of physical therapy services, with patients reporting shorter sessions, less experienced therapists, and reduced attention to their individual needs
“24 to 36 months months”
Potential closure of less profitable clinics, leading to access issues for patients, especially in underserved areas. Emergence of billing controversies and quality-of-care scandals
“36+ months months”
Potential bankruptcy or sale of the company to another operator, with further disruption to patient care
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Closely monitor any changes in the quality and duration of physical therapy sessions, as well as the experience and qualifications of the therapists providing care
Be aware of any potential clinic closures or consolidations that could impact your access to care
Advocate for the preservation of the patient-focused model and high-quality physical therapy services that were the hallmark of US Physical Therapy
Alternatives
Community-focused healthcare
Integrated managed care consortium