Researchers surveyed 280 patients at two medical centers on their attitudes towards surgeon ownership of three orthopedic-related businesses: a surgery center, a physical therapy center and an imaging facility.
Here’s what they found.
1. Two-hundred-and-fourteen patients, 76 percent, completed the questionnaire.
2. Seventy-three percent agreed it is ethical for surgeon to own a surgery center and 77 percent agreed it was ethical for a surgeon to own a PT practice or an imaging facility.
3. Most patients, 67 percent, thought surgeon ownership would have no impact on patient/physician trust.
4. Forty-seven percent of respondents believed a surgeon would perform more surgeries at their own center; 61 percent believed surgeons would refer more patients to a surgeon owned PT clinic; and 58 percent believed surgeons would order more imaging to a surgeon owned imaging center.
5. However, 85 percent of respondents believed a surgeon should disclose his ownership in any orthopedic-related business.
6. The researchers concluded, “Although patients express concern over and desire disclosure of surgeon ownership of orthopedic-related businesses, the majority believes that it is an ethical practice and feel comfortable receiving care at such a facility.”
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