Case Study: The Southlake Experience with Southern Orthopaedic Alliance

Overview

Southern Orthopaedic Alliance (SOA) was launched on January 1, 2024 to support independent orthopaedic practices through shared scale, strategic partnerships, and operational leverage — without sacrificing autonomy. Southlake Orthopaedics joined SOA at inception and has since experienced measurable gains in revenue, cost efficiency, and operational strength.

“SOA gave us scale and leverage without taking away control.”

Strategic Alignment & Network Access

Through SOA, Southlake gained access to OrthoForum and PELTO, independent orthopaedic practice trade and purchasing networks.

These partnerships enabled:

• Access to group purchasing contracts previously unavailable to Southlake as a standalone practice

• Best-in-class pricing on ModMed EHR and other key vendors

• Improved vendor access, pricing transparency, and long-term scalability

Revenue Growth & Productivity

Southlake has seen consistent, sustainable revenue growth since joining SOA.

2023 Baseline

• Total Revenue: $24,756,450

• Physicians: 15 total / 13 partners

2025 Performance (Compared to 2023)

• Revenue increase: +16.4% year-over-year

• Productivity (wRVU) increase: +5%

2025 Year-to-Date

• Revenue (YTD): $23,007,524

• Projected Year-End Revenue: $28,759,000

• Physicians: 12 partners + 2 new associates added in Q4

2025 vs. 2024

• Revenue increase: +15.1% year-over-year

• Productivity increase: +7%

Key Takeaway: Southlake has experienced an average annual revenue increase of nearly 16% each year since SOA’s inception — despite physician turnover, retirement, and phased reductions in part-time staffing.

Cost Savings & Expense Leverage

SOA’s scale enabled Southlake to significantly reduce overhead costs while maintaining or improving benefits.

• Malpractice Insurance:

  • Costs decreased 6% from 2023 to 2025

  • 2025 renewal was lower than 2021 aggregate costs

• Property & Casualty Insurance:

  • Reduced by approximately $50,000 annually

• Health Insurance:

  • Costs returned to 2022 levels in year one

  • No increase in year two

  • Added a second health benefit option previously unavailable

  • Coverage for staff remained equal to or better than prior years

• Shared Overhead:

  • Centralized expenses previously borne individually

  • Achieved meaningful economies of scale across necessary operational costs

Preserved Autonomy

Despite increased scale and support, Southlake retained full local control.

• No infringement on clinical or operational autonomy

• Continued authority over:

  • Physician and staff hiring

  • Compensation decisions

  • Local partnerships and community affiliations

    
    

Bottom Line: SOA provided leverage — not limitations.

Results at a Glance

• Nearly 16% average annual revenue growth

• Significant insurance and overhead savings

• Access to elite purchasing and vendor networks

• Improved benefits for staff

• Full preservation of local autonomy

Southlake’s experience demonstrates how independent orthopaedic practices can grow smarter — not harder — through Southern Orthopaedic Alliance.