As the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and illness continues to grow in the U.S., so does the demand for cardiovascular care. It is estimated that the U.S. cardiovascular market size sits around $50 billion, according to a May 2 report from JD Supra.
Almost half of U.S. adults faced some form of cardiovascular disease between 2017 and 2020, according to the American Heart Association.
Here are seven considerations for ASCs related to investing in the cardiology sector:
1. Many cardiology practices currently have long-standing ties with hospital systems. This can make it harder for smaller, untethered practices to make it in the space without a private-equity partner or a tie to another health system.
2. Medicare is rapidly approving additional cardiac procedures at ASCs. By the mid 2020s, 30 to 35 percent of cardiology procedures are expected to occur in the ASC setting.
3. Cardiology practices often adopt high-value ancillary services. Ancillary businesses can be lucrative, though they do pose regulatory challenges.
4. Cardiologists often earn more than other medical specialists.
5. Cardiology is in the earliest stages of consolidation, with private equity just starting to play a major role.
6. Cardiology practices will provide value to payers by switching to the outpatient and ASC setting.
7. Experts predict cardiology will have the largest physician deficit by 2025, with a shortage of 7,080 providers.