Aurora Diagnostics Acquires Another Pathology Practice

By Ron Shinkman, Editor, Laboratory Industry Report

Florida-based Aurora Diagnostics has acquired another pathology practice, this one located in the central part of the Sunshine State.

Aurora announced the acquisition of Pathology Associates of Sebring earlier this month. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Pathology Associates is owned and operated by a single physician. The practice is affiliated with Highlands Regional Medical Center, a 126-bed community hospital in Sebring.

“We look forward to continuing to serve Highlands Regional Medical Center and this community with additional resources,” said George Leidel M.D., an anatomic pathologist and owner of Pathology Associates, in a statement.

The deal is the eighth Aurora has executed since 2013, when it underwent an extensive financial and management revamp, and the sixth deal involving a hospital-affiliated laboratory. It is also the second transaction in recent weeks. On April 1, it announced the acquisition of Pacific Pathology Associates in Oregon, giving the company entree into the Pacific Northwest.

“We welcome the team in Sebring to the Aurora family,” said Aurora Chief Executive Officer Daniel Crowley in a statement. “Pathology Associates of Sebring is an important partner to Highlands Regional Medical Center, and we look forward to working with the team to expand its capabilities and maintain its excellent services.”

Altogether, Aurora operates 26 laboratories in 17 states. The company said recently it would continue seeking acquisitions and affiliations.