The corporatization of care in academic dermatology

Abstract

Concern over the corporatization of medicine has existed since the late 1800s and continues to grow today in the face of large-scale mergers, vertical integration of health care services, and private equity (PE) investment in dermatology practices. Although academic departments have traditionally been viewed as exempt from Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) laws, they face the same health care landscape and cultural pressures as private and PE-backed practices, as well as some unique financial challenges. To adapt to these difficult realities, academic dermatology has embraced new models of care, some of which mirror the controversial strategies used by PE-backed practices to maximize profit. We explore the corporatization of academic dermatology and its manifestations in changing practice patterns, patient care, education, and research.