If your doctor’s visits feel shorter, more rushed, or oddly “corporate,” you’re not imagining it. Across the country, private equity firms are quietly buying up medical practices, and the way healthcare is delivered is changing fast. What works well for maximizing profits in business doesn’t always work for patients who need time, attention, and individualized care. So what does private equity ownership really mean for your healthcare experience, and why are independent practices becoming harder to find and more important than ever? At Dr. Joel Foster’s office in Lee’s Summit, MO, we’ve chosen a different path, and here’s why that choice matters for your care.
What is private equity ownership in healthcare?
Private equity firms invest in businesses with a focus on short-term financial returns. When they acquire a medical practice, it becomes part of a larger corporate structure, which often includes:
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Added layers of management
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Centralized scheduling and billing
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Standardized treatment protocols
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Pressure to increase productivity and revenue
While this model may work in retail or tech, it often creates problems in healthcare, where individualized care is crucial.
How Private Equity Affects Patient Care
1. Shorter Visits and Less Face-to-Face Time
Corporate-owned practices may encourage doctors to see more patients per day, which leads to rushed appointments and less personalized care.
2. Limited Treatment Options
Because private equity groups often emphasize insurance reimbursement, doctors may be restricted from offering innovative, non-surgical, or cash-pay treatments that could benefit patients the most.
3. Higher Costs and Surprise Fees
Corporate ownership sometimes brings facility fees or inflated pricing structures that increase out-of-pocket costs for patients.
4. Reduced Continuity of Care
High turnover, rotating doctors, and staff changes can disrupt long-term patient relationships — something vital in podiatric care.
5. Treatment Decisions Influenced by Profitability
Protocols may prioritize what is billable or profitable rather than what is most effective for the patient.
Why Independent Practices Matter More Than Ever
Independent clinics are free from corporate pressures. At Dr. Foster’s office, that means:
A Personalized, One-on-One Approach
We set our own schedule, allowing for longer appointments, thorough evaluations, and thoughtful treatment plans.
More Flexible Treatment Options
Independent practices can offer advanced therapies, regenerative treatments, low cost and high quality custom orthotics, and non-surgical solutions without being limited by corporate policies.
Transparent Pricing
Our direct-pay model eliminates surprise fees and allows patients to know exactly what they’re paying for.
Consistent Care From the Same Doctor
Patients see Dr. Joel Foster, not a rotating team of providers. This ensures accurate diagnosis, better follow-through, and long-term trust.
Decisions Based on Expertise, Not Quotas
Every treatment is recommended because it’s the right choice medically — not because it increases revenue.
Same-Day and Urgent Appointments Available
Our independent structure allows us to offer quick access to care when patients need help fast.
Why This Trend Matters for Patients
As private equity ownership grows, more patients are noticing:
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Longer wait times
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Difficulty getting appointments
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Higher costs
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Limited treatment choices
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A system that feels more transactional than personal
Choosing an independent podiatrist means choosing a practice where your health is the priority, not shareholder profit.
Our Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
At Dr. Joel Foster’s office, we remain proudly independent because we believe patients deserve:
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Honest medical advice
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A full range of treatment options
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A doctor who listens and cares
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Personalized care that isn’t rushed
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Fast access, including same-day and urgent visits
We built our practice around what patients truly need, and we intend to keep it that way.
