Originally published on Best Stocks Category: best stocks to buy nowHealthcare is an essential part of life. Most people will need access to some kind of healthcare at some point in their lives, and the best companies to invest in for this sector are those that offer new services or bring innovation to the segment. In addition, Healthcare can be a lucrative investment for long-term investors because it’s one of the few sectors expected to grow over time. So whether you’re just getting started as an investor or want to add healthcare services stocks to your portfolio, here are our top picks for the best healthcare services stocks for new investors. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LH) Labs are a common place to start when looking at healthcare stocks, and LabCorp is one of the best in the industry. LabCorp is the world’s largest clinical laboratory in terms of revenue. It runs more than 5,300 testing facilities across all 50 states in the U.S. and 22 countries outside of the country. It has more than 120,000 employees and generated more than $10 billion in revenue in 2018. LabCorp also has a diversified customer base, a major advantage for the company. Its biggest customers include hospitals, insurers, and physicians’ offices. LabCorp also partners with federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to provide critical testing services. As a result, LabCorp is an excellent healthcare stocks pick for new investors because it’s a large, well-established company with a strong customer base and diverse customer mix. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) UnitedHealth Group is one of the top health insurance companies in the U.S. and has a diverse product portfolio. It runs a network of health plans covering about 140 million people annually, including self-employed people and those not eligible for other insurance coverage. UnitedHealth also offers pharmaceutical services through its Optum subsidiary. The company’s Optum division also offers various health services, including behavioral health, pharmacy, and health information management. The health insurance industry is a favorable sector for investors, and UnitedHealth Group is one of the best health insurance stocks for any portfolio. It’s a large company with a diversified product lineup and a long track record of financial success. If you’re looking for a single healthcare stock pick that can diversify your portfolio, look no further than UNH. Acadia Healthcare Company (ACHC) Healthcare stocks don’t have to be limited to hospitals, insurance companies, and labs. Some of the best healthcare stocks also include providers of healthcare services. Acadia is one of the best healthcare services stocks on the market. Acadia provides behavioral health and addiction treatment services through its network of more than 300 treatment centers. Acadia was formed in 2017 through Cara Operations and Behavioral Health Group. Its services are available across all 50 states. Its behavioral health and addiction treatment services are used in inpatient and outpatient settings. Acadia also has a contract with the federal government to provide behavioral health treatment services to veterans. Acadia is a compelling healthcare stocks pick because of its large network of treatment facilities and the growing demand for behavioral health services. Behavioral health and addiction treatment is an essential service for many people, and Acadia is one of the largest providers of these services in the U.S. U.S. Physical Therapy (USPH) Physical therapy is another important healthcare services segment, and U.S. Physical Therapy is one of the top stocks to consider. U.S. Physical Therapy owns and operates more than 2,300 outpatient rehabilitation clinics and more than 110 sports medicine and wellness centers. The company also has a contract with TRICARE, the federal military health program, which allows it to provide physical therapy services to military personnel and their families. U.S. Physical Therapy is one of the best healthcare stocks for investors because of its diverse operations and presence in both the military and commercial health sectors. The physical therapy services market is thriving, and the company is well-positioned to benefit from its strong presence in both the military and commercial markets. Look to U.S. Physical Therapy as one of the best healthcare stocks for new investors because of its diverse operations and strong position in the physical therapy services market. Healthcare Stocks for Small Investors When you’re just getting started in the stock market, it’s important to find healthcare stocks that are both profitable and affordable. The healthcare sector is a lucrative industry, but it also tends to attract large investment firms. Small investors can have difficulty competing with these large firms, so it’s best to find healthcare stocks that don’t involve too much risk. When looking at healthcare stocks, look for companies that have established themselves and have a long track record of success. It’s also important to find companies with a strong customer base and a diverse product mix that can weather economic downturns. Smaller investors can still find profitable healthcare stocks and significantly impact their portfolios.