Drexel Hill dermatologist Anthony V Benedetto who ran an independent practice for more than 40 years has now joined a bigger practice, a sign of the times, writes Harold Brubaker for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Benedetto sold his practice, Dermatologic SurgiCenter, and works these days for Dermatology Partners, a growing Berks County practice.

The new group has 32 practices in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.

Dr. Benedetto was notably a holdout in a world where most physicians are employees of health system’s or large practices.

Financial challenges finally pushed the 76-year-old to make the move.

A big insurer was rejecting some of his claims going back to 2021 and a cyberattack set him back more than $70,000.

“We have a nice staff, and we have a nice practice, but I haven’t pulled a paycheck for a month or two because I just can’t keep up. I can’t catch up,” Benedetto said.

When Benedetto started he only had to deal with two insurers, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare.

“Now they have God knows how many insurance companies, how many hands in the pot, and everybody wants a little piece of us, including computer companies and advertising. It’s just crazy,” he said.

Read more about the changing healthcare field in The Philadelphia Inquirer.