The evolution of private equity in dermatology.

The first known entry of private equity (PE) in the clinical dermatology space was over a decade ago. There are now in excess of 30 PE-backed dermatology groups (PEGs) with a vision for dermatology. Many use the management services organization, which allows PE firms to circumvent corporate practice of medicine laws, align cooperative physicians, and set the foundation for PEG evolution. PEGs may have different characteristics depending on their stage of evolution; however, as they mature through the stages, they become increasingly similar to each other. This contribution will discuss the stages of PEG evolution in detail. Dermatologists should be aware of these stages so that they can understand a PEG's past and anticipate a PEG's future.