Endoscopic ambulatory surgery centers and the corporate partner

The number of practice-based endoscopic ambulatory endoscopy centers has increased dramatically in the last 5 years as gastroenterologists have recognized the advantages of these centers both for their practice and their patients. A new trend of joining with a corporate partner in ownership of the center is emerging. Such a partnership has clear benefit for physicians, their practice, their patients, and the corporation. Many existing and most forming practice-based endoscopy centers are giving serious consideration to these physician/corporate partnerships. Reasons to consider such a partnership, as well as the risks, are discussed.