Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1541321
25 GASTROENTEROLOGY 5 forces driving GI consolidation By Patsy Newitt A t least 47% of physicians were employed by or affiliated with hospital systems in 2024, up from around 30% in 2012, according to a new Government Accountability Office report. Here are five GI trends from the report: 1. Private equity roll-ups are shaping GI. One firm grew a GI network from 110 to 400+ sites in four years, reaching a $2.2 billion valuation before physicians bought back ownership with new PE support. 2. Market concentration is rising. In some metro areas, private equity firms employ over 30% of gastroenterologists, oen with a single firm dominating local market share. 3. Costs increase aer consolidation. Medicare colonoscopy spending rose nearly $4,000 per physician per year aer hospital consolidation, driven by facility fees and higher throughput. 4. Commercial prices follow the same trend. Private equity-backed consolidation raised commercial prices by 14% in GI and double- digit percentages in other specialties, with bigger jumps in highly concentrated markets. 5. Quality impacts are mixed. Consolidation has been linked to slightly higher rates of complications aer colonoscopy and less use of deep sedation, highlighting trade-offs in cost vs. patient outcomes. n The biggest disruptor of GI care By Patsy Newitt R ising costs of living and healthcare are reshaping the gastroenterology field, according to Gregory Brennan, MD, of Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. Dr. Brennan joined Becker's to discuss how inflation and high medication prices are limiting patient access to recommended care. Question: Which new disruptor (technological, regulatory or economic) do you feel is most affecting the physician experience right now? Editor's note: These responses were edited lightly for clarity and flow. Dr. Gregory Brennan: Right now in 2025, I would have to say economic factors are having a significant impact. Inflation is a factor right now, with rising costs of living and healthcare costs playing a big role. I'm frequently seeing new medications being out of reach for many patients because of cost. Procedures in my field (gastroenterology) can be expensive based on a patient's individual coverage, which can limit our options in providing the recommended care. It is very discouraging to see my patients not being able to get recommended procedures or medications despite having insurance. Being able to adapt to these challenges is going to be critical to success in the future. n GI pay by years of experience By Patsy Newitt G astroenterologists see steady pay growth as they advance in their careers, according to salary data from Marit Health, which collects anonymous physician compensation information. Here's how workload and pay compare across experience levels: 0-2 years of experience Average workload: 46 hours a week Average annual compensation: $553,000 3-5 years of experience Average workload: 49 hours a week Average annual compensation: $555,000 6-10 years of experience Average workload: 46 hours a week Average annual compensation: $596,000 11+ years of experience Average workload: 48 hours a week Average annual compensation: $643,500 n