Yashaswini Singh, PhD, MPH, a health care economist and assistant professor at Brown University's School of Public Health, joins the show to discuss her recent research article, "Growth of Private Equity and Hospital Consolidation in Primary Care and Price Implications," published in JAMA Health Forum.

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Discussion on significant pressures faced by independent primary care practices in the U.S.

Austin Littrell introduces the episode and the speakers, including guest Yashaswini Singh, PhD, MPH.

Dr. Singh discusses consolidation trends in primary care involving hospitals and private equity.

Insights on how U.S. healthcare markets struggle due to inadequate competition and increasing consolidation.

Discussion on the substantial investment by private equity firms in various healthcare settings.

Overview of the research objectives and methodology used to analyze primary care employment trends.

Key findings reveal a significant increase in hospital-affiliated primary care physicians from 2009 to 2022.

Analysis of how physician employment trends affect healthcare costs and patient pricing.

Discussion on factors contributing to price differences between hospital-affiliated and independent practices.

Examination of geographic variations in hospital and private equity affiliations among primary care physicians.

Insights into the timeline and focus shifts of private equity investment in physician practices.

Discussion on the need for further research on consolidation impacts and private equity exit strategies.

Advice for primary care physicians on navigating the changing landscape of healthcare consolidation.

Recognition of additional evolving models in primary care beyond hospital and private equity affiliations.