When it comes to finding the right autism therapy provider for you and your family, it is important to consider who owns and manages the clinic, as this affects the quality of care. In recent years, there has been an increase in private equity companies entering the autism services space. But there are key differences in Private Equity Owned Practices and Clinician Owned Practices. By understanding your priorities in an autism services provider, you can make the right choice for your family.
Clinician Owned Practices
Clinician Owned autism care practices are health care facilities owned by specialists, doctors, or therapists with expertise in treating people on the autism spectrum. These practices are dedicated to providing personalized care for individuals and addressing their unique needs and challenges.
Expertise
Clinicians use their specialized training and knowledge to meet the diverse needs of the patients they see. Because clinicians are the owners and main decision makers of their clinics, they are directly involved in designing and carrying out services based on their expertise.
Customized Therapy Plan
Clinician Owned Practices create custom treatment plans that are tailored to each child’s unique needs. Specialists consider every aspect of the child’s life to develop comprehensive and personalized strategies that work best for the child and their family.
Focus on Quality
These practices are committed to practicing evidence-based care, which combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of autism. Clinician Owned Practices often have fewer clients and a high staff-to-patient ratio, allowing for higher quality care.
Private Equity Owned Providers
Private Equity Companies started entering the autism market rapidly in 2018 because of the potential for profit. These companies have significant financial resources and can invest in and acquire autism-related businesses.
Increased Capital and Opportunity for Growth
Private Equity Companies have many streams of income and financial resources that can help expand services of clinics and reach new patients. However, reports have shown that private equity companies, when growing, often exclude clinicians from leadership roles in making business decisions, leading to lower quality clinical outcomes, staff training and retention.
Poor Quality of Care
Due to limited expertise and experience in the autism sector, Private Equity Companies sometimes compromise on the quality of care. Research from the Center for Economic Policy in Research (CEPR) has revealed instances of low levels of care, including poor staffing and training, instances of abuse, improper billing, and fraud within some private equity owned providers.
Business Instability
When a Private Equity Company buys out an autism services practice, they become the decision maker, despite lacking experience with autism therapy services. This can impact the stability and overall direction of the clinics. The CEPR study also highlights the significant number of Private Equity owned autism care providers that have closed due to declining sales.
Choosing the right autism therapy provider requires careful consideration. Clinician Owned Practices offer expertise, personalized care, and a focus on quality, while private equity owned providers bring financial resources and growth opportunities alongside concerns about compromised care and instability. By making an informed choice that aligns with your priorities, you can ensure the best possible care and support for your family.
About KGH Autism Services
For over two decades, KGH Autism Services has been empowering parents and guardians by providing guidance in navigating the challenges of an autism diagnosis. As a clinician-owned and operated practice, KGH offers a welcoming, family-oriented environment with six levels of expertise in-house.
Kim Hoehne, MA, BCBA, the visionary founder of KGH, has created a space where the entire family feels supported. Kim’s journey with individuals on the autism spectrum began 30 years ago, and she has since dedicated her career to improving the lives of children with autism and their families.
For more information about KGH Autism Services’ dynamic approach as a clinician-owned practice, go to kghautismservices.com.
