Stuart Kertzner, CPA, is Partner-in-Charge of the Health Care Consulting Group at Gettry Marcus CPA, P.C., an accounting, tax and consulting firm in New York.
Surprisingly, the due diligence process is easier for hospitals acquiring large medical practices than for those buying smaller physician groups. But close analysis of small practice finances is essential during acquisition, as the results determine the very structure of the transaction.
After alleviating the initial anxiety of a proposed merger or formation, and after the initial "courtship" and structural issues are discussed, the next big question is: How is joining or forming a large group going to affect us financially?