Practice takeovers by investors: One in three doctors would sell – if the conditions are right

24.04.2023 15:36

Should private investors be allowed to buy up medical practices? There is currently a lot of discussion about this. The current survey by the Health Foundation from the “In Focus” series shows that this is not just a theoretical construct: 11.7 percent of practicing doctors have already received a purchase offer. “And more than a third of all doctors would consider such an offer if the conditions are right,” reports research leader Prof. Dr. med. Dr. rer. pole. Konrad Obermann.

It was mainly specialist and dental practices that received offers: 17.1 percent of specialists have already been approached by investors. For dentists it is 14.8 percent and for general practitioners it is 12.6 percent. In contrast, interest in the practices of psychological psychotherapists is significantly lower: only 4.0 percent received a corresponding offer.

“Financial investors are neither the savior nor the downfall of the healthcare system”

Research director Obermann is in favor of a carefully balanced mix of market and governmental elements that makes it possible to use resources sensibly and economically - "and without interfering in the content of doctors' treatment decisions." Financial investors are also not a savior how the privately owned practice is a guarantee of performance and quality. “And at the latest where no successor can be found for a practice, a sale to an investor may be a better solution for the patients affected than a complete closure.”