Originally published on Silicon Hills: http://siliconhillsnews.com/2020/11/19/point-health-acquires-austin-based-the-karis-group/

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Point Health, a digital health startup, announced plans to acquire Austin-based The Karis Group, a patient advocacy bill negotiation service.

Austin-based Point Health did not disclose the terms of the deal.

The Karis Group, founded in 1996, brings decades of pricing data, healthcare navigation, and bill negotiation experience to Point Health, according to a news release.

Together, the two Austin-based companies plan to develop a new, digital-first healthcare navigation platform and marketplace that will make healthcare easier to find and easier to afford for health plan members.

Point Health’s platform aims to provide consumers with a medical marketplace offering transparent pricing. The platform is targeted to health insurers with high deductible plans, health sharing communities, third-party administrators, and employers.

“The consumer health experience needs an overhaul. This acquisition is very positive for both companies but even better for our clients and their members who will use our new, digital-first healthcare navigation platform,” Matt Dale, CEO of Point Health and The Karis Group. “Our easy-to-use technology will continue to push healthcare towards transparency, affordability, and simplicity.”

When Dr. Tony Dale founded The Karis Group to advocate for patients there was a lack of transparency in billing for healthcare services.

“We helped resolve some of those issues by navigating billions of dollars in medical bills and assisting millions of people solve the complexities of healthcare bills,” Dr. Dale said. “I am proud and excited by the opportunity this new venture represents.”

The acquisition is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2021. Its initial platform is set to debut in early 2021.