Private equity-backed cardiology group expands Texas footprint with new partnership

US Heart and Vascular (USHV), the cardiology-focused physician practice management platform operated by Ares Management and Rubicon Founders, has announced a new partnership with Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates (MKCA), a Houston-based practice founded in 1975.

MKCA has a team of eight cardiologists and five nurse practitioners. The practice operates three Houston offices as well as additional locations in the cities of Cypress, Katy, Sealy and Fulshear.

“We are excited about the partnership between USHV and MKCA,” James Feldman, MD, a cardiologist and imaging specialist with Memorial Katy, said in a statement. “Together, we can provide enhanced cardiac care to the West Houston and Katy communities.”

“At USHV, we seek to partner with the best cardiovascular physicians and provide them with the resources and support to grow, while delivering outstanding high-quality care to their patients,” added Mike Englehart, USHV CEO. “Through our recent partnership with MKCA, we look forward to advancing our mission of quality care, innovation and success in Houston.”

USHV has been busy in 2023, announcing new partnerships with the Nashville-based investment firm Rubicon Founders, Heartland Cardiology and HeartPlace in just the last two months.

The rise of private equity in cardiology continues

Private equity-backed acquisitions are becoming increasingly common in today’s cardiology marketplace, a trend already seen in radiology, dermatology and other healthcare specialties. Roger D. Strode, a partner with the global law firm Foley and Lardner LLP, talked to Cardiovascular Business in February about why investors find cardiology practices so appealing in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."