Two-year period of mergers & acquisitions within single-specialty gastroenterology sector shows rapid growth and expansion
(MIAMI, March 1, 2021) — Gastro Health, a national leading medical group specializing in digestive health, has partnered with Digestive Disease Associates (DDA), a gastroenterology group with two locations based in Catonsville and Columbia, Maryland. This partnership also includes the state-of-the-art endoscopy center, Howard County Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Center, and two infusion centers.
This latest acquisition by Gastro Health marks the sixth state the group has entered, continuing a rapid growth and expansion period through a series of mergers and acquisitions within the single-specialty gastroenterology sector over the last two years. Gastro Health now has practices in Florida, Alabama, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland with over 100 locations consisting of medical office practices, infusion centers, imaging services and a specialty pharmacy. Additionally, Gastro Health owns and operates endoscopy centers in five of the six states.
DDA’s group of 15 board-certified gastroenterologists, two anesthesiologists, two radiologists, three nurse practitioners, and four board-certified nurse anesthetists have been committed to providing high-quality, specialized care in gastroenterology, hepatology, and liver-related disorders to patients throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC since 1996. DDA’s ambulatory surgery center was also ranked #6 in the state of Maryland in 2021 by Newsweek based on its quality of care, performance data, peer recommendations, and overall response to COVID-19.
“We are pleased to add the experienced team of GI specialists from DDA to the Gastro Health team,” said Gastro Health CEO Joseph Garcia. “Their well-established impact on patient care coupled with successful physician leaders makes DDA a strong anchor in the Maryland market and a significant addition to our company as we continue to expand our footprint in the Mid-Atlantic.”
As a leader in the market, the practice’s physicians hold key roles in area hospital systems, including Johns Hopkins Medicine, currently ranked #4 in the nation for Gastroenterology and GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals, as well as influential GI organizations, allowing them to stay at the forefront of new and innovative treatment options and deliver an unparalleled quality of care to patients.
“It was clear to us that partnering with Gastro Health will elevate our practice so that we can expand the care we provide to the communities we serve,” said Kester Crosse, MD, of DDA. “This relationship will help us significantly further our mission to improve efficiency, drive growth, and bring innovative solutions to our patients.”
With this partnership, Dr. Crosse will become the Vice President of Clinical Affairs, Maryland, and Tim Lynch, DDA’s Chief Operating Officer, will now become Gastro Health’s Division Vice President in Maryland as he continues to manage the practice’s operations and growth.
Financial Advisor:
Bailey Southwell served as the exclusive financial advisor to Digestive Disease Associates. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Gastro Health
Gastro Health is one of the leading gastroenterology groups in the United States with practices in Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington. Gastro Health strives to provide outstanding medical care and an exceptional healthcare experience. The Gastro Health care teams utilize technology, clinical expertise, and compassionate care to provide a personalized approach to digestive health and overall wellness. Learn more at GastroHealth.com.
Media Contact:
Joanna Palmer | Pitch Perfect PR | 305-786-270-9909 | Joanna@PitchPerfectPRMiami.com