When it comes to your child’s health care, nothing is more important than a pediatrics team you can truly count on. However, to the surprise of many families, a powerful shift might be happening behind the scenes at their trusted pediatric office. Private equity firms are increasingly acquiring pediatric practices across the country, prioritizing efficiency over efficacy and profits over patients. And the effect is just as bad for practices owned by large hospital systems.  As a result, the quality of care suffers, and with it, the best health of kids — and research on just how harmful this trend is in pediatrics is mounting.

So, to help you understand why it might be worth it to consider making a switch when it comes to your child’s care, let’s explore why physician-owned pediatric practices — like Ocean Pediatrics — offer safer care, stronger relationships, and even better value.

We answer to patients, not investors

Private equity firms are in the business of boosting their bottom line — often with the goal of doubling their investment within just a few years. Preferring to prioritize short-term profits, these firms typically move on from their health care investments within three to seven years, according to an article by Harvard’s school of public health. 

According to a commentary in The American Journal of Medicine, “Intuitively, the primary interest of PE investors—maximize profits—does not match the goals of most physicians, whose ethos is to put patients’ needs first while earning a reasonable living.” At Ocean Pediatrics, we believe that placing unnecessary and unreasonable financial pressure on pediatricians can lead to cut corners, higher fees, and staff changes that can prove detrimental to the quality of your child’s care.

 

We don’t charge more — unless you get more

At physician-owned practices, you pay for the highest-quality care, with the most attentive, trustworthy medical team. Unfortunately, research consistently shows that this isn’t the same at private equity and hospital-owned practices — who often charge more for the same services.

According to a different JAMA Network study, private equity-affiliated primary care doctors negotiated prices that were 8% higher per visit compared to their independent peers — a price that jumped to 11% for hospital-affiliated primary care physicians. In a study published in Pediatrics, researchers found that neonatal units affiliated with physician management companies (typically backed by private equity) saw a 56% increase in service prices without improvements in patient outcomes. Worse, readmission rates actually increased in the following years.

We have loyal, dedicated staff providing continuous care

One of the most important aspects of pediatric medicine is jeopardized when practices are taken over by private equity firms or hospitals — continuity of care. In multiple studies, doctors in private equity-acquired practices were found to be significantly more likely to leave their jobs – often within a few years — disrupting your family’s relationships and your child’s long-term care plans.

In contrast, physician-owned practices tend to have lower turnover and deeper relationships — which means your child is seen by a doctor who knows their history, their health, and even their hobbies. At Ocean Pediatrics, we make it a priority to create a culture where staff feel supported, stable, and committed to your child’s wellbeing — from in the womb to out in the world!

Safer, more personalized care

Physician-owned pediatric practices often emphasize holistic, bespoke care. They are known to focus on long-term wellness over short-term profits as well as higher attentiveness and better safety standards. In contrast, studies like this one published in JAMA show that private-equity owned healthcare can decrease quality of care and even lead to an increase in adverse events acquired at the hospital – in this case, by as much as 25%! 

At Ocean Pediatrics, our care is led by pediatricians who live and work in your community — not investors calling the shots from afar. It shows in conscientious care, extra time during visits, thoughtful follow-ups, and personal touches at every appointment.

Is it worth making the switch?

We know that making the switch can seem like a hassle. But we are here to help, every step of the way! Simply give us a call and we will guide you through how to switch pediatricians offices — making it as easy (and worthwhile) as can be. And when it comes to protecting your child’s health, we know that it’s a decision worth making. 

If your pediatrician’s office has been acquired by a private equity firm or is run by a hospital, we encourage you to explore local, physician-owned alternatives. The difference in care and cost can make a huge difference for your family and for your child’s wellbeing.

Ready for a change?

Ocean Pediatrics is proud to be a physician-owned and patient-first practice with some of the best pediatricians in Orange County. All of us are ready to welcome you with open arms, clear answers, and a care team you can trust! We can’t wait to welcome your family home to a practice where your child always comes first.