Carlyle buys RCM providers Knack and EqualizeRCM for $600 million

Private equity firm Carlyle Group has acquired revenue cycle management companies Knack RCM and EqualizeRCM in a combined deal valued at approximately $600 million. The consolidation signals continued investor interest in healthcare back-office technology and outsourcing. For independent practices, a more consolidated RCM vendor landscape means fewer but potentially larger partners. Evaluate any long-term service agreements with RCM vendors for change-of-control clauses. This deal follows a trend of PE investment in denial management and claims processing platforms.