Dear Reader,

The journey from independent practice owner to DSO partner is filled with decisions that will shape your future, and it’s natural to feel both excited and anxious. Will you get the right value for your practice? Will you lose control? Will the quality of care suffer? These are the questions that keep practice owners awake at night.

The good news is that partnering with a DSO doesn’t mean surrendering your legacy; it means elevating it. But to get the most out of this partnership, you need to know what to expect every step of the way. Let’s walk you through the DSO partnership process, from initial valuation to integration, so you can approach this transition with confidence and clarity.

The first step in any DSO partnership is the valuation. This is where the DSO assesses your practice’s financial health, patient base, operational efficiency, and growth potential. Unlike a typical buyer, DSOs look beyond surface-level numbers. They dig deep into your Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) to get a true sense of your practice’s profitability.

Many practice owners worry that their practice won’t be valued fairly or that DSOs are only out to lowball them. The reality is that DSOs want a fair deal because a healthy partnership benefits both sides. The key is transparency. Be prepared to provide clear, detailed financials and don’t hesitate to ask questions about the valuation process. Remember, this is not just a sale; it’s the beginning of a long-term relationship.

Before you even meet with a DSO, work on optimizing your practice’s financials. Tidy up your books, cut unnecessary expenses, and highlight your practice’s unique strengths. A well-prepared practice is a more attractive practice, and it positions you for stronger negotiations.

Once the valuation is complete, it’s time to negotiate the deal. This step is about more than the sale price—it’s about defining your role post-sale, the level of control you’ll retain, and how the DSO will integrate with your practice. Negotiating the right deal ensures that your vision for the future aligns with the DSO’s objectives.

One of the biggest misconceptions about partnering with a DSO is that you’ll lose all control over your practice. The truth? DSOs want you to continue leading clinical care. They handle the business side—administration, marketing, HR—so you can focus on patients. The negotiation phase is your opportunity to clearly define your responsibilities, set boundaries, and ensure that your autonomy in clinical decisions remains intact.

Before entering negotiations, decide what’s most important to you. Is it maintaining a certain level of clinical control? Do you want to reduce your administrative burdens? Knowing your priorities will help you negotiate terms that align with your professional and personal goals.

After the deal is signed, you enter the transition period. This is when the DSO begins to integrate its systems into your practice. Expect changes in administrative processes, financial management, and possibly even patient flow. The goal here isn’t to disrupt—it’s to streamline and enhance.

Change is never easy, and the transition period can feel like a whirlwind. You might worry that the DSO’s systems will override your unique practice culture. However, the best DSOs work closely with you to ensure the transition respects your practice’s identity. This phase is about blending their efficiencies with your values.

During the transition, keep lines of communication open. Share your concerns, give feedback on new processes, and stay involved. Your input is invaluable in ensuring that the transition not only maintains but enhances the quality of care you’ve built your reputation on.

The final step is full integration into the DSO’s network. This is where the real benefits start to shine. With access to advanced technology, expert marketing, and shared resources, your practice is positioned for growth like never before. You’re still leading your team and caring for your patients, but now you have the support of a larger organization backing you.

A major concern is that joining a DSO will mean cutting corners on patient care to drive profits. The reality is that DSOs succeed by enhancing patient satisfaction, not sacrificing it. They invest in training, technology, and patient engagement strategies that improve the overall experience. Your role is to ensure that these enhancements are aligned with your standards.

Leverage the tools, training, and support provided by the DSO. Whether it’s new equipment, marketing expertise, or improved patient management systems, these resources are designed to help your practice thrive. The more you embrace these advantages, the stronger your practice will become.

At Everything DSO, we specialize in guiding practice owners through the entire DSO partnership process. We’re here to help you understand every step, negotiate the best deal, and integrate seamlessly into a larger network that respects your legacy.

Contact us today to learn more about partnering with a DSO and how we can help you through this journey.

Sincerely,

Your Team at Everything DSO