Private equity investors have seen the opportunity in spinal procedures and are making inroads in the industry. 

In a soon-to-be-released podcast by Merritt Healthcare Advisors (available on Airsnext in Q1 of 2022), hosts Matt Searles, Partner and CEO of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, and Jay Pruzansky, Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, welcome a distinguished panel of industry experts to discuss accelerating consolidation in specialty medical practices and what physicians, practice owners, investors, and advisors should consider when evaluating M&A opportunities.

Arlington, Va.-based Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic is moving from its 13,000-square-foot location to a larger one, ahead of what its namesake physician says is a pandemic-induced backlog of orthopedic need.

St. Louis-based Oral Surgery Partners is adding seven practices to its network of service locations as it welcomes new CEO John Cline.

Private equity investment in ASC is skyrocketing. Becker's has reported on three of them since Feb. 8:

Private equity groups continue to show strong interest in ASCs in 2022, with multiple acquisitions in the last 30 days. 

Private equity firms have invested $921 billion in U.S. healthcare since 2006, according to the American Investment Council. 

Financial management and human resources company MedHQ has completed a strategic investment with 424 Capital, a growth capital partner.

Private equity firm Revelstoke Capital Partners is adding Lisa Dombro, a former consultant to Deerfield, Ill.-based Surgical Care Affiliates, as the firm's sixth operating partner.

Fredericksburg, Va.-based Vista Eye Specialists was acquired by Richmond, Va.-based Atlantic Vision Partners, which is backed by private equity firm Sheridan Capital Partners.

Private equity deals in healthcare were up 31 percent in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to Provident Healthcare Partners.

Private equity firm Partners Group has acquired a 200-location dermatology practice from Omers Private Equity, Partners said Feb. 10. 

Remedy Medical Properties is investing in a 23-property healthcare portfolio owned by MedProperties, Commercial Property Executive reported Feb. 10.

Consolidation in gastroenterology accelerated in 2021, according to a recent report jointly published by consulting firm Fraser Healthcare and pharma research firm Spherix Global Insights. 

EyeSouth Partners has completed an affiliation with Athens, Ga.-based Georgia Center for Sight.

Private equity firms Vesey Street Capital Partners and MD Healthcare Partners are joining to build a multisite healthcare services platform.

Private equity-backed orthopedic care platform U.S. Orthopaedic Partners has acquired Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Rajiv Sharma, MD, owner of Terre Haute, Ind.-based Digestive Health Associates and nutritional supplement company Dr. Gut Happiness, joined "Becker's Ambulatory Surgery Centers Podcast" to discuss how private equity can be a boon to practice owners.

Investment firm Capital Square 1301 acquired a new medical office building and ASC in Yuma, Ariz.

ASC growth and expansion can be an uphill battle for independent centers. A controversial trend makes it easier for some and harder for others.