Over the years, the GI space has undergone tremendous restructuring through mass practice aggregation. On the latest episode of The Scope with Dr. K, Dr. Lawrence Kosinski, Barry Tanner, and Michael Weinstein discuss how an influx of private equity and investments in GI practices is both positively and negatively affecting gastroenterologists today.

Tanner is the Chairman of Physicians Endoscopy, which just over a year ago commenced a strategic partnership with Capital Digestive Care – where Weinstein is CEO & President.

The two companies formed a management platform for independent gastroenterology groups seeking an alternative to acquisition, allowing gastroenterologists to retain ownership of their practices while the platform manages business-related operations.

“It was clear to me that you could merge business aspects of a medical practice without necessarily having to merge culture,” Weinstein said.

The podcast, which airs on HealthcareNOW Radio, focuses on aggregation/consolidation strategies for independent gastroenterologists, and pursuing the ideal working model and culture for physicians in consolidated practices.

“I feel very strongly that independent physicians – their voice is the one that is going to improve healthcare over the next 5-10 years,” Tanner said. “That voice needs to be protected.”