private equity firms

Systems are increasingly stretching a velvet rope, offering “concierge physician service” to an affluent clientele who pay a yearly fee. Critics say the practice exacerbates primary care shortages.

While some doctors seem eager for a huge payoff, others are warily watching what happens when private equity firms take charge of orthopedic practices.

Doctors, consumer advocates, and some lawmakers are looking forward to a California lawsuit against private equity-backed Envision Healthcare. The case is part of a multistate effort to enforce rules banning corporate ownership of physician practices.

Private equity firms have shelled out almost $1 trillion to acquire nearly 8,000 health care businesses across the country - including Florida - in deals almost always hidden from federal regulators.

Several private equity firms are swarming into aging America’s eye care, and the consolidation is costing the health care system and patients more money. Some of the groups include Florida practices in their networks.