K. Linnea Welton, MD, of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor led a study about how patients understood spine surgeons' compensation, according to DoctorsLounge.
The researchers asked patients who recently had spine surgery 12 questions about orthopedic spine surgeon compensation. The Spine Journal published the findings in its Nov. 1 issue.
Here are five things to know:
1. The patients correctly pinpointed which spine procedures yielded the greatest reimbursements.
2. However, the patients overestimated how much surgeons received in reimbursements.
3. Many of those surveyed thought surgeons received additional compensation during the postoperative stage.
4. One-quarter of patients felt surgeons were underpaid and 3 percent felt surgeons were overpaid.
5. "By delineating patient impressions of the present reimbursement scheme for orthopedics surgeons, researchers and policymakers can better determine whether these compensation strategies are effective in relaying consumer values or if they require closer consideration during this period of healthcare reform," the study details.