Thread

Bill to Ban Private Equity from Owning Medical Practices

509 points · 384 comments · paimapi

NegativeK · 1789944184 · focus · HN ↗
Can someone steelman private equity, please? I'm honestly looking for the upsides (for non-investors) of when PE moves into an industry like medicine and begins buying up businesses that traditionally aren't already large chains.
I already hear the downsides frequently from someone whose work is directly affected.
1. whatsThisBtn4 · 1789955629 · focus · HN ↗
  Historically we've seen capitalism be a good thing.
  Probably the biggest problem with medical is that it's incredibly regulated for the industry's benefit.
  1. claytongulick · 1789956068 · focus · HN ↗
    I don't think I agree with this, most of the regulation I see is for patient protection. Stark, AKS, HIPPA, etc... are all strong regulation aimed at protecting individuals.
    From fee-splitting prohibitions to FDA regulated medical devices, almost all of the day to day regulations I've dealt with in healthcare are squarely aimed at ensuring safety, protecting privacy, preventing fraud and controlling costs.
    whatsThisBtn4 · 1790350943 · focus · HN ↗
    Prohibitive medical costs cause patients not to go to the doctor.
    Think AMA/ACGMe

Unofficial Hacker News client; not affiliated with Y Combinator.