Key Takeaways
- • A national report cited in the opinion estimated that more than 1 in 10 U.S. hospitals is now owned by investors seeking to double their money in about seven years.
- • Brentwood-based Lifepoint Health, acquired by Apollo Global Management in a $5.6 billion deal in 2018, operates 137 hospitals nationwide and is majority owner of the Highpoint Health hospitals in Gallatin, Hartsville and Carthage.
- • The author cites a study finding patient falls rose 27% and central IV line infections rose almost 38% after private equity takeovers.
- • In June, 16 Tennessee hospitals received federal warnings from the Trump administration for failing to meet hospital price transparency requirements, including all three Highpoint hospitals.
- • The author calls on Tennessee lawmakers, when they return to Nashville in January, to increase oversight of private equity hospital acquisitions.
Summary
An opinion column by Patsy Writesman, owner of ManageHealthCareCosts.com, published by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, argues that private equity firms are increasingly acquiring hospitals in Tennessee and that patients and families are bearing the cost. The column cites a recent national report estimating that more than one in ten U.S. hospitals is now owned by investors seeking to double their money in roughly seven years.
The piece highlights Brentwood-based Lifepoint Health, which was bought by Apollo Global Management in a $5.6 billion deal in 2018 and now runs 137 hospitals nationwide. Lifepoint is the majority owner and operator of the Highpoint Health hospitals in Gallatin, Hartsville and Carthage. The author notes that in many small Tennessee towns these facilities may be the only nearby option, leaving residents with limited say over where they are treated or what they pay.
The column cites a study finding that patient falls rose 27% and infections tied to central IV lines rose almost 38% after private equity acquisitions, which the author attributes to owners prioritizing profit over care. The author also points to the June federal warnings issued by the Trump administration to 16 Tennessee hospitals for failing to meet hospital price transparency requirements, noting that all three Highpoint hospitals were included.
The column also references Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, which has signed a letter of intent with Prisma Health, and argues that Tennessee taxpayers should know who will control any investment-backed nonprofit and how patients will benefit. The author urges state officials to enforce price transparency and calls on lawmakers to review how private equity deals affect hospital prices when the legislature reconvenes in January.
The piece highlights Brentwood-based Lifepoint Health, which was bought by Apollo Global Management in a $5.6 billion deal in 2018 and now runs 137 hospitals nationwide. Lifepoint is the majority owner and operator of the Highpoint Health hospitals in Gallatin, Hartsville and Carthage. The author notes that in many small Tennessee towns these facilities may be the only nearby option, leaving residents with limited say over where they are treated or what they pay.
The column cites a study finding that patient falls rose 27% and infections tied to central IV lines rose almost 38% after private equity acquisitions, which the author attributes to owners prioritizing profit over care. The author also points to the June federal warnings issued by the Trump administration to 16 Tennessee hospitals for failing to meet hospital price transparency requirements, noting that all three Highpoint hospitals were included.
The column also references Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, which has signed a letter of intent with Prisma Health, and argues that Tennessee taxpayers should know who will control any investment-backed nonprofit and how patients will benefit. The author urges state officials to enforce price transparency and calls on lawmakers to review how private equity deals affect hospital prices when the legislature reconvenes in January.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.