The study was published in Orthopedics and shows patients thought physician reimbursement was too low when they found out the actual cost.
The researchers surveyed 231 patients from April to June in 2015 who underwent knee surgery. The researchers found:
1. Almost all — 90 percent — reported physicians aren’t overpaid and wouldn’t recommend their salaries be cut.
2. Sixty-one percent of the patients felt the surgeon’s pay shouldn’t be tied to outcomes.
3. A majority of the patients — 79 percent — felt reimbursement to drug and device companies should be reduced.
4. The patients estimated physicians received the following amounts from Medicare for knee procedures:
• Arthroscopic knee surgery: $5,442
• ACL surgery: $6,667
The actual reimbursement for arthroscopic knee surgery is $576 and for ACL repair is $1,103.
5. Patients said they would be willing to pay $2,286 out-of-pocket for arthroscopic knee surgery and $3,517 out-of-pocket for ACL surgery. The patients reported they’d be willing to pay higher out-of-pocket costs and believed surgeons should be compensated more highly due to their advanced medical training.
More articles on orthopedic surgery:
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Ott developing The Center at Val Vista
Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center moves to new location
Campbell Clinic orthopedics continues tradition of hosting international physicians
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
