CPOM Update: AAEM Collaborates With Senator Gary Peters’ Investigation of Private Equity’s Influence on Patient Care in EM

In an era where the intersection of healthcare and corporate interests increasingly comes under scrutiny, the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) has taken a significant step forward in advocating for the sanctity of patient care in the emergency room. Working in collaboration with Senator Gary Peters and the Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, AAEM has played a central role in a pivotal investigation into the influence of private equity (PE) in emergency medicine (EM).

Several months ago, AAEM leadership found itself at the confluence of concern and action when approached by Senator Peters’ office. The discussions that followed revealed a shared vision: to peel back the layers of private equity’s impact on emergency departments across the nation. In response, AAEM called upon its members to lend their voices and expertise to this cause. As a result, over 40 dedicated emergency medicine physicians, including leaders and members from AAEM, stepped forward to share their experiences and insights.

The contributions of AAEM’s members have proven instrumental, prompting Senator Peters to seek detailed information from major EM staffing companies with financial ties to private equity firms. This move, grounded in the testimony of emergency medicine physicians, illuminates the potential conflicts between profit-driven motives and the welfare of patients in emergency care settings.

AAEM’s involvement represents a stand against the commodification of emergency medical services. This initiative underscores the academy’s commitment to its founding principles: ensuring that the emergency department remains a place where patient care is paramount, untouched by the distorting influence of corporate profit.

Engage with Our Journey

For those looking to dive deeper into the complexities of this investigation and its significance for emergency medicine, AAEM provides several resources and avenues for engagement.

Visit the Investigation’s Homepage: Access detailed information about Senator Peters’ inquiry into private equity in emergency medicine on the Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs website.

Learn About the Impact of Corporate Practice in EM: Explore in-depth analysis and positions on the corporate practice of emergency medicine, including its effects on patient care and professional autonomy, at AAEM’s key issues page.

Delve Into AAEM’s Legal Action Against Corporate Medicine: Delve into the details of AAEM’s landmark lawsuit against corporate practice in emergency medicine, aiming to preserve patient care quality and emergency physicians’ rights, at AAEM’s Envision Lawsuit page.

Explore Senate Committee Correspondences: For a closer look at the concerns raised by the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs regarding private equity’s role in emergency medicine, view the letters sent to major EM staffing companies and their private equity owners.

  • To view the letter to Apollo Global Management and US Acute Care Solutions, click here.  
  • To view the letter to Apollo Global Management and Lifepoint Health, click here
  • To view the letter to Blackstone and TeamHealth, click here
  • To view the letter to KKR & Co. Inc, and Envision, click here

Uncover Insights from Senate Inquiry’s Local Impact: Senator Gary Peters’ investigation into private equity in hospital staffing leads to a KRDO news feature, with Dr. Jonathan S. Jones, President of AAEM, commenting on the conflict between profit motives and patient care.

As this investigation unfolds, AAEM’s role highlights the power of professional advocacy in steering the conversation around healthcare practices towards transparency, integrity, and the uncompromising principle of patient-first emergency medicine.


Join Our Mission

As AAEM continues to lead the charge in advocating for the integrity of emergency medicine and the welfare of patients, we invite you to become part of our community. Whether we’re challenging the status quo, advocating for legislative change, or supporting our members in their professional growth, every action we take is with the aim of ensuring emergency care remains in the hands of those who put patients first.

Become a Member Today

Joining AAEM means more than just membership in an organization; it’s a commitment to excellence, advocacy, and the ethical practice of emergency medicine. As a member, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with colleagues who share your dedication to patient care.

  • For New Members: Embark on a journey with us. Stand with fellow emergency medicine professionals who are committed to making a difference in healthcare.
  • For Renewing Members: Your continued support and involvement are what propel us forward. Renew your commitment to excellence in emergency medicine and patient advocacy.
Join or Renew Now

Together, we can ensure the future of emergency medicine is driven by those who value patient care above all else. Your voice, your membership, and your engagement are critical to our collective success. Join us in making a lasting impact.