Consolidation continues to be a strategic option for orthopedic practices looking to maintain independence. Here are five mergers announced this year, including two that formed entities with at least 100 physicians:
1. Phoenix-based The CORE Institute is merging with Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists, a six-physician group in Howell and Dexter, Mich., expanding its presence in the state. AFAS surgeons will become employees of The CORE Institute.
2. Seven orthopedic practices in New Jersey merged to form Ortho Alliance NJ. The partnership joined more than 100 physicians from the practices, which have more than 25 New Jersey locations.
3. Cincinnati-based Wellington Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine merged with OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine to form OrthoCincy Wellington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. The combined group has 45 physicians and locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
4. Six orthopedic groups in Texas merged to form OrthoLoneStar. The combined entity has more than 150 physicians, over 40 locations and 1,000 employees.
5. Longmont, Colo.-based Front Range Orthopedics & Spine merged with Fort Collins, Colo.-based Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies. The merged entity has 43 physicians, 600 employees and seven clinical locations, including three ASCs.