Guide to Selling a Orthopedic & Post-Surgical Rehab Practice in Atlanta, GA

Selling your Orthopedic & Post-Surgical Rehab practice is a major decision. In Atlanta’s thriving market, understanding current trends is your first step toward a successful transition. This guide gives you a clear overview of the market, key buyer considerations, and the sale process. We find that owners who succeed are the ones who combine deep clinical knowledge with strategic preparation, transforming their life’s work into a powerful legacy.

Market Overview

The Atlanta market for Orthopedic and Post-Surgical Rehab practices is strong. Understanding the forces at play is the first step in positioning your practice for a successful sale.

A Growing Local and National Market

Georgia has seen a steady increase in orthopedic surgery physicians, confirming a growing demand for these specialized services. Nationally, the medical rehabilitation market is projected to grow at a healthy 7.4% annually through 2032. This combination of local demand and national growth makes your practice an attractive asset.

Heightened Buyer Interest

We are seeing significant interest from private equity firms looking to invest in well-run physician practices. For sellers, this means more potential buyers and a competitive environment. These buyers are often looking for practices with a strong reputation and clear growth potential to serve as a platform for further expansion in the Atlanta metro area.

Key Considerations

Sophisticated buyers look beyond your financials. They are purchasing your practice’s future cash flow, and that is built on more than just equipment. The story of your practice is told through its key assets. Your Referral Network with Atlanta-area orthopedic surgeons and hospitals is a critical, hard-to-replicate asset. The quality and stability of your Clinical Team, from physical therapists to administrative staff, signal a smooth transition. Finally, your Operational Strength, proven by efficient patient scheduling, billing, and clear workflows, demonstrates a mature and scalable business. These are the pillars that support a premium valuation.

Market Activity

While you will see headlines about private equity acquisitions, specific deal terms for practices like yours are almost never public. This confidentiality means you cannot rely on public data to value your practice. Instead, success comes from running a structured process that attracts multiple qualified buyers. Here is what those buyers are looking for in the Atlanta market today.

1. Scalable Operations. Your practice must demonstrate it can grow without being dependent on you. This means having strong associate providers and systems that can handle increased patient volume.
2. Platform Potential. Buyers are not just acquiring your current business. They are looking for a platform to which they can add other practices. A strong brand and a leading position in a sub-market of Atlanta are very attractive.
3. Proven Profitability. Your financial records must be clean, clear, and ready for scrutiny. Buyers pay for proven, predictable earnings.

Sale Process

Selling a practice is a structured project, not a single event. It unfolds in stages, and being prepared for each one is key to a smooth transaction. The process generally starts with Preparation, where you work with an advisor to organize your financials and craft your practice’s story. Next is confidential Marketing, where your advisor presents the opportunity to a curated list of qualified buyers. After initial offers are received, you enter Due Diligence. This is an intensive review where the buyer verifies everything about your practice. Proper preparation here is crucial. The final stage is Closing, where legal documents are signed and the transition plan begins.

Valuation

The most common question we get is, “What is my practice worth?” The answer is based on a simple formula: Adjusted EBITDA x a Market Multiple.

Adjusted EBITDA is your real cash flow. It is your net income after adding back interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and any owner-related expenses that a new owner would not incur (like a personal car lease or above-market owner salary). This number shows a buyer the true earning power of the business. That Adjusted EBITDA is then multiplied by a number (the multiple) that reflects your practice’s risk and growth profile.

As you can see, size and operational maturity dramatically impact your final valuation.

Post-Sale Considerations

A successful sale is not just about the price. It is about a successful transition for you, your team, and your patients. Planning for what happens after the deal closes is as important as the negotiation itself. A clear Transition Plan ensures continuity of care and protects your staff, preserving the legacy you built. You should also consider Your Ongoing Role. Many deals are structured with earnouts or equity rollovers, allowing you to participate in the future success of the practice. This can be a way to ensure your vision continues. Finally, your Tax Strategy is critical. The way your sale is structured has massive implications for your after-tax proceeds. Planning this in advance is non-negotiable.