Transaction Healthcare

Chen Sagiv, PhD, is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of DeePathology, which provides AI solutions for digital pathology. She is also the Co-founder and Co-CEO of SagivTech Ltd., a firm dedicated to image processing, computer vision, and GPU computing. Through her work, Chen empowers pathologists with AI tools to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are transforming industries, but in healthcare, the stakes are especially high. Physicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs grapple with using AI to enhance diagnostics and treatment without replacing human expertise. How can AI improve efficiency and accuracy while preserving the critical role of medical professionals?

AI-driven medical imaging expert Chen Sagiv explains that AI's primary function in healthcare should be augmentation, automating tedious tasks, and improving diagnostic precision while ensuring human expertise remains central. Deep learning models can analyze pathology slides with remarkable accuracy, aiding in early disease detection. Beyond diagnostics, AI's predictive capabilities can accelerate preventative medicine, helping identify at-risk patients before symptoms arise. By integrating AI into healthcare, professionals can make faster, more informed decisions to improve patient outcomes.

In this episode of Transaction Healthcare, Zak Eisenberg interviews Chen Sagiv, Co-founder and Co-CEO of DeePathology and SagivTech Ltd., about the evolving role of AI in medical diagnostics. Chen shares how pursuing a PhD in mathematics and physics led her to entrepreneurship, the ethical considerations of automation, and how AI can expand access to high-quality healthcare worldwide.

John Nantz is the Founding Partner of Redwood Advisors, a firm delivering strategic, organizational, and digital consulting projects to high-growth midsize companies. With over a decade of experience as a management consultant, he has led over 50 consulting projects across various industries, serving clients such as Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Solutions, National Geographic, and NASA Education. Before founding Redwood Advisors, John served as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company.

Outpatient healthcare practices face unique challenges in scaling operations, optimizing efficiency, and navigating mergers and acquisitions. As competition intensifies, physician-led organizations must develop clear strategies to drive sustainable growth while maintaining high-quality patient care. What foundational elements set top-performing healthcare businesses apart from those struggling to grow?

According to healthcare management consultant John Nantz, aligning strategy, culture, and operational excellence plays a crucial role in determining healthcare companies' sustainability. Many smaller practices lack professional management, making it difficult to execute long-term growth plans effectively. As consolidation and value-based care continue to shape the industry, healthcare leaders must implement governance structures, refine operational processes, and prioritize patient experiences to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In this episode of Transaction Healthcare, Zak Eisenberg sits down with John Nantz, the Founding Partner of Redwood Advisors, to discuss how healthcare organizations can position themselves for growth. John examines major industry trends, the impact of consolidation on healthcare providers, and the differences in advising small, medium, and large healthcare companies.

Gary Herschman is a Member of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., a firm specializing in healthcare and life sciences, where Gary co-chairs the healthcare transactions and M&A group. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare M&A, he represents hospitals, ASCs, physician groups, and home healthcare companies in consolidations, affiliations, joint ventures, physician alignments, and more. Among his many accolades, Gary has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Health Care Law from 2010 to 2025 and was named a 2024 Leader in Law by NJBIZ.

Navigating healthcare transactions is more complex than ever, with shifting regulations, increased scrutiny, and growing consolidation across the industry. Private equity firms and health systems are rapidly acquiring physician practices, leaving many providers uncertain about their future. Simultaneously, evolving federal and state laws add compliance challenges that can delay or even derail deals. How can healthcare transaction advisors and legal experts help navigate these evolving challenges to ensure successful transactions?

Healthcare M&A attorney Gary Herschman explains that proactive planning is crucial to overcoming regulatory hurdles and structuring tax-efficient deals. He emphasizes the importance of early consensus among physician groups and understanding state-specific approval requirements that can impact transaction timelines. Additionally, private equity investors recognize consolidation opportunities in fragmented outpatient markets like cardiology and orthopedics. Gary advises physicians in these sectors transitioning from hospital employment to private practice to leverage private equity partnerships for growth and value creation.

In this episode of Transaction Healthcare, Zak Eisenberg interviews Gary Herschman, a Member of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., about navigating healthcare transactions in a shifting regulatory environment. Together, they explore strategies for addressing compliance pitfalls, structuring physician practice acquisitions, and managing antitrust concerns in M&A deals.

Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

Healthcare systems face an increasing shortage of providers and nurses, creating an imbalance between supply and demand. How can practice advisors address this gap to ensure a sustainable future for the healthcare sector?

The shortage of physicians and nurses is driven by systemic barriers like expensive, prolonged training for doctors and demographic shifts affecting nursing. Healthcare transaction advisor Zak Eisenberg notes that market corrections and expanded educational programs could address these issues over time. Additionally, young physicians often face financial and cultural barriers to equity participation in transactions, so Zak suggests leveraging multiyear earnouts to bridge valuation gaps.

In the final installment of the Transaction Healthcare webinar series, Chris Raphaely speaks with Zak Eisenberg of Merritt Healthcare Advisors and Robert King of SkyView Advisors about the barriers to healthcare practice transactions. Together, they explore strategies to address workforce shortages, optimize transaction structures, and navigate regulatory and compliance concerns.

Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

Selling healthcare real estate and practice operations can create friction between partners, providers, and external stakeholders. This often stems from misaligned interests in value, legacy, and transaction goals. How can involved parties align their needs to facilitate a smooth transaction?

According to healthcare transaction advisors Robert King and Zak Eisenberg, aligning competing interests and resolving associated challenges involves balancing senior partners' focus on transaction value and legacy with younger members' priorities, such as autonomy and future earnings. Additionally, real estate negotiations require strategic lease structuring to address valuation and control concerns. Leveraging expert advisors is crucial to streamline these processes, mitigate misalignments, and ensure the transaction delivers optimal outcomes for all parties involved.

In the third segment of the Transaction Healthcare webinar series, Chris Raphaely chats with Zak Eisenberg of Merritt Healthcare Advisors and Robert King of SkyView Advisors about aligning stakeholder interests during healthcare transactions. Together, they discuss recruiting younger providers and physicians, how to sell real estate and practice operations, and the average timeline for stakeholder alignment.

Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

Healthcare transactions are often complicated by varying valuation methodologies and rapidly changing financial landscapes. How can healthcare practices maximize their real estate and operational value amid fluctuating market conditions?

According to Zak Eisenberg and Robert King, maximizing valuations for healthcare businesses involves both short-term and long-term strategic improvements. Practices can enhance value by optimizing billing cycles, adding service lines like imaging or clinical trials, and building management infrastructure. Business owners can increase value through long-term, institutional-grade leases and accurate financial documentation. Sale-leaseback transactions are another effective strategy, unlocking real estate equity to fund operational growth or reduce financial risk.

In part two of the Transaction Healthcare webinar series, Chris Raphaely talks with Zak Eisenberg of Merritt Healthcare Advisors and Robert King of SkyView Advisors about increasing healthcare practice valuation. Together, they explore strategies for obtaining capital, timing market transactions, and aligning business goals with long-term investments.

Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

The incoming presidential administration could initiate significant changes to the healthcare industry, impacting transactions and real estate. What are the key trends shaping the future of healthcare, and what should practice advisors and healthcare practitioners consider for the landscape in 2025?

Possible revisions to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), regulatory rollbacks, or changes in federal healthcare funding could disrupt provider revenue streams, complicating billing and collections processes. Currently, the expansion in coverage strengthens providers' financial positions by increasing the insured patient base. Healthcare business advisors Zak Eisenberg and Robert King observe that trends like demographic shifts and technological advancements increase demand for care while increasing financial pressures on providers, prompting practice consolidation. For healthcare real estate, reduced borrowing costs tied to inflation control efforts could spur more transactions in this capital-intensive sector.

In part one of the Transaction Healthcare webinar series, Chris Raphaely of Cozen O'Connor interviews Zak Eisenberg of Merritt Healthcare Advisors and Robert King of SkyView Advisors about future healthcare market dynamics. Together, they share concerns about the demise of the ACA, how inflation impacts healthcare real estate, and the future of market transactions in the wake of a new presidential administration.

Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

What drives success in physician practice transactions? Is it the financial endgame, or do the underlying physician dynamics facilitate a smooth merger or acquisition? In the bustling landscape of healthcare megamarkets, physicians often find themselves at strategic crossroads, so having a clear game plan is pivotal.

Before engaging in a practice transaction, physician entrepreneurs must consider a few crucial factors. Younger physicians can accelerate the value of a practice post-transaction. By deferring to the needs of these future leaders, physician entrepreneurs can engineer a more sustainable and prosperous healthcare business. Additionally, an M&A may appear as a one-size-fits-all solution, but the nuances of strategic growth, culture integrations, and transaction intent can make or break a deal. From recognizing the necessity of physician alignment and transparency to understanding the various pathways a practice can take, organizations can effectively navigate the complexities of healthcare transactions.

In this Transaction Healthcare episode, Zak Eisenberg speaks with his panelists about strategies for physician practice M&As. They discuss the importance of delicate conversations, the art of transparency, and the power of shared goals in the landscape of healthcare transactions.

Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

Are you equipped to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare transactions? With the market evolving at breakneck speed, you must optimize your practice to capitalize on growth opportunities. How can you align your practice's goals with the ever-changing market demands?

When preparing for transactions, setting precise goals to arrange your practice's structure for potential investments is crucial. This involves conducting an internal assessment to evaluate your growth aspirations and your practice's position in the market. Understanding the differences between hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital ensures you can make informed decisions when exploring opportunities. Before executing any transaction, you should consult with wealth managers and tax professionals to safeguard your practice and accelerate value.

In this episode of Transaction Healthcare, Zak Eisenberg continues his conversation about healthcare business transactions. The panelists delve into strategic planning and the importance of governance and tax implications, offering a roadmap for physicians and practitioners to amplify the value and appeal of their businesses in the eyes of investors and partners.

Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

AI can reduce healthcare costs and enhance patient journeys. How might this reshape the current landscape and address some of healthcare's most significant challenges, like the rising cost of capital and employee recruitment and retention?

Leveraging AI for diagnostic imaging allows healthcare practitioners more time to focus on patient care and streamlines healthcare delivery operations. With increased efficiencies, healthcare professionals can foster a work environment that prioritizes employee needs, retaining staff during an industry-wide labor shortage. Additionally, operational efficiency allows officials to analyze and reduce debt for more economic flexibility.

In the second installment of Transaction Healthcare, Zak Eisenberg welcomes John Nantz, Barry Tanner, Bede Broom, and Geoffrey Cockrell back to the show. Together, they discuss leveraging AI and navigating financial trends in healthcare. They also touch on employee recruitment and retention, capital structures in the healthcare investment space, and debt management.