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Medical Care

PE Firms Competing for Majority Stake in US Healthcare BPO

2024-12-02

Some of the most prominent buyout groups like Advent International, Blackstone, and Carlyle are vying to obtain a majority stake in Texas-based healthcare BPO Access Healthcare. People with knowledge of the matter have revealed this. Hillhouse Investment, which narrowly missed out to EQT on a similar US-centric firm GeBBS in September, is also making a serious bid. All these firms are scheduled to submit non-binding offers by the middle of December for a 60-70% stake in the company, with an estimated value of $1.4-1.5 billion. The extent of the stake sale is expected to be determined through subsequent rounds of negotiations, as stated by the cited people.

Access Healthcare: A Brief Overview

Set up in 2012 by Anurag Jain, an Indian-origin serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist, privately held Access Healthcare has 20 global delivery centres across nine cities in India, the Philippines, and the US. This company provides a wide range of services to hospitals, healthcare systems, medical groups, medical billing companies, health plans, and boutique revenue cycle management (RCM) software and services firms. A team of over 27,000 professionals assists clients in redefining revenue cycles and enhancing administrative, financial, and clinical outcomes. According to the company website, it supports 500,000 physicians and processes over 400 million transactions annually, managing $120 billion in claims annually.Access Healthcare's services play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, helping to optimize processes and improve financial and clinical aspects. Its global presence and large team enable it to serve a significant number of clients and handle a massive volume of transactions.

On Monday, December 2, a significant event took place in Monroe as a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the brand new medical mobile units of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana. These units, which cost a substantial $1 million and were made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, are set to bring a wave of change and enhanced healthcare services to the region.

Revolutionizing Healthcare in Northeast Louisiana with Mobile Units

Features and Benefits of the Medical Mobile Units

The medical mobile units are equipped with an array of essential facilities. Private exam rooms offer a comfortable and private space for patients, ensuring their privacy during consultations. Phlebotomy stations are readily available for blood tests and other medical procedures, providing quick and efficient service. Sinks are installed for proper handwashing and maintaining hygiene standards. Diagnostic equipment is on board, enabling accurate diagnoses right at the scene. Freezers are also included to store medications and samples, ensuring their proper storage and availability.

In emergency and disaster relief situations, these units will prove to be invaluable. As Dean of VCOM Dr. Mark Sanders mentioned, the Lieutenant Governor's Office sponsors certified emergency response training. All second-year students are required to undergo this training and obtain certification. This means that in case of minor emergencies like cuts and lacerations, the college will be able to provide on-site suturing services. By having these mobile units in rural communities, more resources can be brought closer to the people, ensuring timely medical attention in critical situations.

Investment in the Community and Future of Healthcare

The Ouachita Parish Police Jury's decision to invest in these medical mobile units is a testament to their commitment to the community and the future of healthcare in Northeast Louisiana. It shows their understanding of the need for accessible healthcare services in rural areas and their efforts to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare. These units will not only provide immediate medical assistance but also serve as a stepping stone for the development of healthcare infrastructure in the region.

By making these units available, the police jury is laying the foundation for a more resilient healthcare system. It allows for quicker response times to emergencies and ensures that medical care is not limited to specific locations. This investment will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people in Northeast Louisiana, providing them with the peace of mind that medical help is just a call away.

For more information about VCOM and their medical mobile units, visit their website. Stay updated with the latest developments in healthcare by watching KNOE's latest video. Copyright 2024 KNOE. All rights reserved.

San Antonio is on the cusp of a major transformation as construction on a new $1.4 billion terminal is set to commence on December 10. This terminal, Terminal C, is the central piece of a $2 billion plan to prepare San Antonio International (SAT) for future growth. The airport has been experiencing a surge in traveler numbers this year, with each of the first 10 months setting monthly records and peaking at 1,032,610 in July. Public discussions about the incoming terminal began in 2018, and the city opted for the more cost-effective option of expanding the current facility at Highway 281 and Loop 410.

Anticipated Benefits and Impacts

The construction of Terminal C is expected to bring about significant changes. It will add approximately 832,000 square feet of space, more than the combined area of existing Terminals A and B. Conceptual renderings released in February 2023 showcased an outdoor courtyard area for flyers to enjoy after passing through security. Additionally, there will be increased space in club lounges and hold rooms. Aviation officials have estimated that this construction will create around 6,000 jobs, providing a boost to the local economy. The hope is that Terminal C will be open by 2028, along with a new ground transportation center and parking garage, further enhancing the airport's facilities and services.

However, the construction has not been without its challenges. Southwest Airlines, which carries more travelers than any other U.S. airline, has filed a lawsuit against the City of San Antonio. The airline alleges discrimination when it comes to gate assignments in Terminal C. Southwest was promised that all or most of its 10 gates at SAT would move to Terminal C, but instead, it claims to have been subjected to an "unlawful bait and switch" and is now uncertain about its future at the airport. A hearing on preliminary injunction is scheduled to begin on December 16, adding to the legal drama surrounding the project.

Planning and Decision-Making

The process of planning for the new terminal dates back to 2018. The city faced a crucial decision between expanding the current facility or moving to a new location. After careful consideration, they chose to stay and build out the existing footprint, which proved to be the more economical option. This decision set the stage for the construction that is now underway. The airport's management has been working diligently to ensure that the construction progresses smoothly and that the future growth of the airport is well-planned and executed.

As the construction moves forward, it is clear that it will have a profound impact on the city and the airline industry. San Antonio is poised to become a more significant aviation hub, with enhanced facilities and services. Southwest Airlines, on the other hand, is fighting to secure its place at the airport and ensure the continued growth of its operations. The outcome of this legal battle will shape the future of both the city and the airline.

Impact on Travelers

For travelers, the construction of Terminal C means both opportunities and inconveniences. On one hand, the increased space and improved facilities will enhance the overall travel experience. Flyers will have access to a larger outdoor courtyard area, more comfortable club lounges, and larger hold rooms. This will provide a more pleasant environment during layovers and waiting times.

On the other hand, the ongoing legal battle and construction may cause some disruptions. Travelers may experience longer wait times at TSA lines or delays in gate assignments. It is important for the airport and the airlines to communicate effectively with travelers and provide them with timely updates on the progress of the construction and any potential impacts on their flights. By doing so, they can help minimize the inconvenience caused by the construction and ensure a smooth travel experience for everyone.