Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Private Equity Hospitals Linked to Higher ER Death Rates
Imagine a company buys a hospital to make money.
New studies show that when this happens, more people die in the emergency room.
This is because the company often cuts staff and pays workers less.
Because of that, there's less experienced help, which leads to more deaths.
Even though the hospital sends the sickest patients to other hospitals, the number of deaths has gone up.
Experts believe the financial strategies of these firms may lead to dangerous or even deadly outcomes, especially for older or more vulnerable patients.
Studies show a link between private equity ownership of hospitals and increased emergency room mortality rates.
ER death rates increased by 13.4% after private equity acquisition.
Hospitals reduced ER salaries by 18.2% and ICU salaries by 15.9%.
These changes could lead to reduced staffing levels.
As of April 2025, almost 500 U.S. hospitals are owned by private equity firms.
- Who
- Private equity firms and hospitals.
- What
- Studies show a link between private equity ownership of hospitals and increased mortality rates in emergency rooms.
- When
- Studies examined data from 2009-2019, with data current as of April 2025.
- Where
- Hospitals across the United States.
- Why
- Likely due to reduced staffing and salary expenditures after private equity acquisition.
Arguments against Private Equity in Healthcare
Arguments for Private Equity in Healthcare
Impact on Patient Outcomes
Arguments against Private Equity in Healthcare
Private equity firms' financial strategies may lead to dangerous and potentially deadly consequences for patients.
Arguments for Private Equity in Healthcare
The articles do not provide any arguments in favor of private equity's influence on patient outcomes.
Staffing and Salaries
Arguments against Private Equity in Healthcare
Private equity firms often reduce staffing and salaries to cut costs, which can negatively impact patient care.
Arguments for Private Equity in Healthcare
The articles do not provide any arguments in favor of the impact of staffing and salaries.
- Study Period
- 2009-2019
- ER Death Rate Increase
- 13.4%
- Additional Deaths per 10,000 Patients
- Approx. 7
- ER Salary Reduction
- 18.2%
- ICU Salary Reduction
- 15.9%
- PE-Owned Hospitals (April 2025)
- 488
- % of Private Hospitals owned by PE
- 8.5%
- % of For-Profit Hospitals owned by PE
- 22.6%