On Reason Data Mismatches Happen (Mergers & Acquisitions)
What's Behind Many of the Data Mismatches
When you see a mismatch between a facility name and a website—or a website that no longer works—it is not always because the business is closed.
The radiology and outpatient imaging industry is consolidating. While some clinics are small "mom and pop" operations, many are owned by large corporate networks. These large networks frequently buy smaller clinics and clinics from other networks.
What happens when a clinic is sold?
- Ownership Change: "Main Street Imaging" is bought by "National Health Corp."
- Rebranding: The sign on the door might change, or it might stay the same, but the digital presence changes.
- Website Shifts: The old website (
mainstreetimaging.com) is shut down, and the facility is added as a location page on the new owner's site (nationalhealth.com/locations/main-street).
Why this matters to us: We must ensure our data reflects the current owner. If we delete a record because the old URL is broken, we lose a valid lead. If we keep the old data, we provide inaccurate info.
The Anchor Strategy: Trust the Address
Since names and websites change frequently, the Physical Address is your most stable data point. A building rarely moves, even if the business inside changes hands.
The Problem: You have a record for "Blue Sky Radiology," but the website is dead.
The Solution:
- Search the Address: Copy the specific street address and city into Google.
- Identify the Tenant: Look at the results. Is there a radiology center at that exact address with a different name?
- Verify the Connection:
- If you find "Global Imaging Centers" at that address, check their "Locations" page.
- Confirm that this new entity is operating out of the old "Blue Sky" location.
Workflow: Handling Acquisitions
When you identify that a facility has been acquired:
- Don't Delete: The facility likely still exists and needs radiology equipment/services.
- Update the Name: Change the name in our dataset to the new corporate name (e.g., Change "Blue Sky" to "Global Imaging - Main St Branch").
- Update the URL: Replace the dead URL with the specific location page on the new owner's website.
- Verify Details: Ensure the phone number is updated. Large networks often centralize their booking numbers.
Key Takeaway: We are not just checking for typos; we are investigating the status of the facility. Aligning the data means ensuring the Name, URL, and Address all tell the same story about who owns the building today.
Summary
- Changes are Common: Expect to see facilities changing hands frequently.
- Mom & Pop -> Corporate: Small clinics are often bought by large groups.
- The Address is Key: If the name/site doesn't match, search the address to find the new owner.
- Update, Don't Delete: If the facility is open under a new name, it is still a valid record. Update it to reflect the new ownership.