GOODWILL
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
GOODWILL [Abstract]  
GOODWILL
6. GOODWILL

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
    
Year Ended
  
 
March 31, 2020
    
December 31, 2019
  
             
Beginning balance
  
$
317,676
    
$
293,525
  
Goodwill acquired
    
13,632
      
31,330
  
Goodwill related to partnership interest sold
    
-
      
(7,325
)
Goodwill write-off related to closed clinics
    
(1,859
)
    
-
  
Goodwill adjustments for purchase price allocation of businesses acquired in prior year
    
1,320
      
146
  
Ending balance
  
$
330,769
    
$
317,676
  

The derecognition (write-off) of goodwill in the amount of $1.9 million was related to certain clinics that have been permanently closed.