Versant Diagnostics to refocus on pathology practices

OAK BROOK - Versant Diagnostics Monday announced a new strategy to focus on the digitalization of pathology practices.

Supported by more than $100 million in growth capital - in partnership with private equity firm Iron Path Capital, Versant is positioning itself to become the nation's largest independent physician services company through the acquisition of independent pathology practices of all sizes, the company said. It will provide capital infusion into each practice for conversion to digital pathology while maintaining physician leadership.

Versant, an independent physician services company, was created in 2021 as an acquisition platform by its physician and operating executives, Dr. Ven Aduana, Jim Billington and Brian Carr. The company will now focus on anatomic pathology, precision medicine and the digital transformation of the industry.

"Many pathologists in the workforce are nearing retirement age, which facilitates our acquisition initiative," said Billington, chief executive officer of Versant Diagnostics. "Digital pathology will help alleviate the labor shortfall, allowing adopters the ability to capture efficiencies and improvements while also improving patients' standard of care."

With access to Versant's pathologists, community providers can collaborate on specific health issues with experts anywhere, at any time, the company said.

"The belief among pathologists is that the quality of digital pathology will be superior to current methodologies, analogous to the digitization of radiology," said Aduana, chairman and chief medical officer of Versant. "The workflow will be enhanced, and the physical proximity between pathologist, histology lab, provider and patient will no longer matter."

Versant Diagnostics' practice areas include urology, dermatology, women's health, gastroenterology and hematology.