Surgical Dermatology and Private Equity: A Review of the Literature and Discussion.

Abstract

While there has been substantial investment in dermatology by private equity (PE), the relevance of this trend to the dermatologic surgeon has not been assessed. The literature on PE investment in medicine was reviewed to provide interdisciplinary data relevant to the dermatologic surgeon. The PubMed database was queried for all peer-reviewed articles containing the term "private equity" and identified 70 unique articles across 18 medical specialties, comprising 20 original research articles and 50 commentary articles. Significant PE growth across multiple medical specialties occurred in the 2010s. Private equity ownership was associated with higher levels of nonphysician providers relative to physicians. Pooled data suggest that PE ownership is associated with lower staffing levels, particularly for non-revenue-generating staff, as well as potentially lower levels of medical supplies on hand. Data on financial performance suggests that PE-ownership results in higher profits, revenues, and costs. Surveys of physicians demonstrate concern about autonomy, ethics, and career prospects. For the dermatologic surgeon, issues related to consolidation, provider scope of practice, support staff availability, and supply management are important due to the nature of procedural intervention and the increased risk of adverse events.