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June 2019

Healthcare – Ambulatory Care

Increasing pressure by government, employers, and payors to reduce the total cost of care while delivering improved clinical outcomes is driving a shift in patient volume to the outpatient setting.  Additionally, technology advancements have enabled providers to treat higher acuity patients with more complex procedures that have historically been performed in hospital-based facilities requiring over-night admissions.  With the widespread adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) facilitating the exchange of patient information and the coordination of care across provider groups and facilities, payors have implemented financial incentives to direct care delivery to the appropriate site of service with high-quality providers in low-cost outpatient facilities realizing the gains.  Demographic shifts and changes in consumer behavior to prioritize convenience and patient-centered care have further accelerated market growth in ambulatory care.  Health systems, integrated provider groups, and private equity sponsors have responded by pouring funding into acquiring and expanding the best-in-breed providers.