"Today, changing practice dynamics place greater focus on the business aspects of medicine," the authors wrote. "Although employment or consolidation within larger organizations may not be problematic per se, physicians, regardless of practice setting, should challenge business concerns that are placed above the best interests of patients." Due to financial strain from the COVID-19 crisis, changing dynamics may include an uptick in the already increasing number of physician practices being acquired by private equity firms, according to the paper. Private equity firms typically take a large stake in the practice, invest in it to increase market share and revenue, take actions to decrease costs, and sell the practice within a few years to generate returns for investors. Those buyers include other private equity firms, large corporations, the public via an initial public offering, and insurance companies.