When it comes to healthcare, being informed is essential for making the right decisions and receiving optimal care—and this is especially true if you’re a patient at a private equity-owned medical practice.

Private equity-owned medical practices refer to medical or healthcare facilities that are acquired and operated by private equity firms. Private equity firms are investment firms that pool together capital from investors to acquire and manage companies in various industries, including healthcare.

In recent years, private equity ownership of medical practices has become increasingly common. In fact, 70% of physicians are employed by hospital systems, private equity firms, or health insurers. As a result, our healthcare industry has seen a notable shift as these firms prioritize profits over patient care.

Below, we explore six important actions patients need to take to when it comes to private equity-owned medical practices to ensure they receive the highest quality of care.

1. Research Ownership and Doctors

Research who owns your practice and employs the doctors you are considering by checking online reviews on Google or visiting the practice’s website. Reviews from actual patients can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided. Additionally, understanding the background and credentials of the doctors you plan to see is vital for making informed decisions about your healthcare.

2. Understand Common Legal Medical Jargon

Familiarizing yourself with general legal terms related to hospital negligence and medical malpractice is essential, regardless of the medical practice or doctor you choose. Medical malpractice refers to negligence by a hospital or medical personnel that results in harm or injury to a patient. Institutional negligence, on the other hand, involves the failure of a medical practice to maintain the facility properly, provide adequate training and supervision, or meet established standards of care. Understanding these terms will help you navigate the legal landscape and hold the responsible parties accountable if needed.

3. Be Aware of Potential Risks

Private equity ownership of medical practices introduces some unique considerations. One potential concern is a focus on profit margins, which may lead to increased pressure on doctors to see more patients in less time or to focus on more profitable procedures. This can compromise the quality of care and patient experience.

Additionally, private equity firms may prioritize cost-cutting measures, such as reducing support staff or resources, which can impact the overall safety and effectiveness of the practice.

4. Know How to Identify Sexual Abuse and How to Report it

Unfortunately, as a result of the cost-cutting efforts listed above, sexual abuse at private equity-owned medical practices is increasingly common. Take obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Vernon Cannon and the DuPage Medical Group for example. Despite reports of sexual abuse again Cannon, his employer allowed him to continue practicing, which led to several victims filing lawsuits against both of them.

Because of this, it’s more important than ever to be able to identify instances of sexual abuse. Some key indicators can include:

• The doctor doesn’t explain the procedure or adequately answer questions about it, leaving you feeling violated.
• The doctor examines you without gloves, or without previous discussion about what would occur.
• The doctor asks inappropriate questions about your sexual history.
• The doctor refuses to let anyone else in the room, such as a nurse or loved one.
• The doctor makes unwanted physical contact or makes the patient feel uncomfortable in any way.

It’s also important to note that there are a few common threads among doctors who commit sexual abuse, including that they abuse their positions of power and are left unsupervised when caring for patients. This type of abuse also tends to leave patients confused or unsure if what they experienced was real, especially since they trusted their doctors.

Finally, when it comes to reporting medical malpractice, you can report it to the police, the medical facility, or your state’s medical board. It’s important to note that many of these actions can be taken in tandem with each other, such as reporting abuse to both the hospital and your state’s medical board.

5. Advocate for Transparent Communication

Transparent communication is crucial in any healthcare setting, but it becomes even more important in private equity-owned practices. Due to the financial interests involved, it is essential to have open and honest conversations with your doctors. Discuss treatment options, potential conflicts of interest, and any concerns you may have.

By actively engaging in your healthcare decisions and advocating for transparent communication, you can ensure that your needs and well-being remain the top priority.

6. Recognize Your Rights as a Patient

In the unfortunate event that you experience negligence or harm at a private equity-owned medical practice, it is critical to know your rights and take appropriate action. Document any incidents, gather evidence, and consult with legal professionals who specialize in medical malpractice cases. They can provide guidance on how to navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and seek appropriate compensation if necessary.

Seek Justice From Your Private Equity-Owned Medical Practice

If you have been injured due to medical malpractice, you need trial lawyers who have dedicated their careers to representing victims of negligent medical care. And as a trial law firm that’s filed dozens of lawsuits against Dr. Vernon Cannon and specializes in medical malpractice cases, we have the experience you need to get the justice you deserve. If you’d like to learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.

And if you’d like more information about sexual abuse in private equity-owned medical practices, reach out to us here.