New business model helps private cardiology practices stay independent
As the number of private practice cardiology groups continues to decline due to being purchased by private equity and health systems, those that remain independent are looking for newer approaches to accessing resources and operational support.
On such example is Stern Cardiovascular, one of the largest cardiology practices in the South, which announced a partnership deal last week Atria Health. Atria is a physician-owned healthcare services business supporting independent heart specialists and offering an alternative business model to the private equity model. The company does not have any ownership in the independent practices it works with, but can provide help to navigate reimbursement complexity, administrative burden and with capital.
“This partnership allows us to expand what we do best, high-quality, patient-centered cardiovascular care, while remaining physician-led and independent,” Stern Cardiovascular President Steven S. Gubin, MD, explained in a statement. “With Atria’s support, we can bring new technologies and services to our communities faster, recruit additional physicians and meet growing regional needs without compromising how we practice medicine.”
Stern plans to expand access to advanced cardiac diagnostics, rehabilitation and specialty care through the partnership. This includes introducing cardiac PET/CT imaging to the Memphis market and opening new locations, including a planned expansion into Collierville, Tennessee.
The practice is also looking to recruit additional cardiologists and clinicians to meet a growing patient demand and offer intensive cardiac rehabilitation services.
Stern Cardiovascular has delivered comprehensive heart care for more than 100 years across the Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi regions. Under the partnership, Stern said it will continue to expand its care offerings, while operating as a fully independent, physician-led practice.
Atria Health said the partnership with Stern is part of a broader strategy to support independent cardiology practices nationwide by providing scalable infrastructure, operational expertise and growth support. For example, the company said it formed a partnership in 2025 with AMS Cardiology in Pennsylvania, where it helped the practice build a new ambulatory surgical center (ASC) to perform low-risk outpatient procedures. That ASC facility became the first in Pennsylvania to perform a coronary angioplasty with stent placement.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: [email protected]