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16 GASTROENTEROLOGY GI's biggest players By Patsy Newitt Gastroenterology groups across the U.S. are evolving rapidly through strategic mergers, private equity investment and care models. Here are six of the largest GI groups to know: Allied Digestive Health Private equity-backed Allied Digestive Health, based in West Long Branch, N.J., is a gastroenterology group with over 200 providers. Formed in 2015 by merging five New Jersey-based practices, the company has since grown into a key regional player. It is led by CEO Matthew Devine and backed by Assured Healthcare Partners. GI Alliance GI Alliance operates a vast network of 1,000 physicians across more than 400 locations in 20 states. Led by founder and CEO James Webber, MD, the company has become one of the largest GI platforms in the country. In November, Cardinal Health acquired a majority stake in GI Alliance for $2.8 billion, marking one of the sector's most significant transactions in recent years. is acquisition underscores a broader trend of pharmaceutical-focused companies entering the physician practice space. GI Alliance recently partnered with real estate firm MedCore to open a new ASC in Bentonville, Ark., and joined forces with IKS Health to reduce operational and administrative burdens through digital support services. Gastro Health Miami-based Gastro Health includes more than 403 affiliated physicians and 152 locations. e organization is led by CEO Alan Oliver and Chief Medical Officer Eugenio Hernandez, MD. "Right now, our primary focus is organic growth. In the past, there was significant M&A activity across GI platforms, but with market shis and rising interest rates, our approach has evolved," Dr. Hernandez told Becker's in February. "We still pursue M&A opportunities where it makes sense, but we're also emphasizing de novo growth — establishing new care centers in areas with high patient demand. De novo expansion is more challenging because it requires strong mentorship. You can't just place a physician in a new market without ensuring they have adequate support. at's why we're intentional about how we grow." In 2021, Gastro Health was acquired by private equity firm Omers for an estimated $950 million, following its previous ownership by Audax Private Equity. is year, the company also named Chris Fourment, MD, as its vice president of clinical research. One GI One GI, headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., was formed in 2020 when Webster Equity Partners partnered with Gastro One. It now supports 195 physicians across 65 locations in six states. Within two years of Webster's involvement, One GI quadrupled its affiliated physician base and rapidly expanded its geographic footprint, according to a study in Gastroenterology & Hepatology. United Digestive Based in Atlanta, United Digestive partners with physicians and GI practices at more than 81 locations, with a network of 129 physicians. e company is led by CEO Mark Gilreath. In March 2023, United Digestive was acquired by Kohlberg & Company for $500 million from Frazier Healthcare Partners. Mr. Gilreath and President Neal Patel, MD, told Becker's the new ownership supports a strong platform for income repair and growth through organic expansion and M&A initiatives. U.S. Digestive Health: Exton, Pa.-based US Digestive Health includes over 250 GI providers at 40 locations and 24 ASCs across Pennsylvania and Delaware. It was formed in 2019 through the merger of three regional GI groups. e organization recently signed a five-year contract with Highmark Health, a Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee, strengthening its payer relationships and market position. n Do GIs augment income with outside work? 5 stats to know By Patsy Newitt T hirty-four percent of gastroenterologists supplement their income through external work, according to Medscape's Gastroenterologist Compensation Report published July 8. Here are five more stats to know: 1. Only 39% of GIs feel they are fairly compensated for the demands of their job, while 61% believe they are not. 2. Here's how GIs stacked up in changes in compensation year-over-year: • 39% of gastroenterologists said their income remained the same between 2024 and 2025. • 35% reported a pay increase of 1%–10%. • 6% saw an increase of 11%–25%, and 1% experienced a pay bump exceeding 25%. • On the other hand, 13% saw a pay decrease of 1%–10%, 4% had a decrease of 11%–25%, and 3% experienced a drop of more than 25%. 3. Forty-two percent of gastroenterologists said their compensation meets their family's needs. Additionally, 29% reported earning more than they need, while 28% said their pay falls short. 4. For 45% of gastroenterologists, base salary is tied to productivity metrics. The remaining 55% reported that their base pay is not influenced by these metrics. 5. Gastroenterologists work an average of 52 hours per week. n