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OTA Survey

Orthopedic Surgeon Call Reimbursement: An OTA Survey Study


Orthopedic trauma surgeons are at a critical juncture in the healthcare landscape. During employment contract and call negotiations physicians are often at a disadvantage due to a lack of understanding regarding their economic position and the value that they bring to the hospital. The variety of pay scenarios for trauma surgeons can be confusing and makes it difficult for surgeons to negotiate good contracts. The purpose of this study is to define different employment models, ancillary reimbursement opportunities and call pay rates nationwide to provide orthopedic trauma surgeons with the vital information they need for job security and longevity.
1.How old are you
2.Have you completed an orthopedic trauma fellowship?
3.1. What is your primary practice setting?
4.On average, how many total surgeries do you do per year?
5.About how may RVU's do you produce per year? (If unknown put N/A)
6.On average about how many days per month do you work?
7.1. If in private practice, are you a partner?
8.If in private practice, is there a Buy-in?
9.If yes, how much is it?
10.How are you primarily paid ?
11.If on salary, what are you paid per year before taxes?
12.Are you eligible for bonus?
13.If so, how is your bonus calculated?
14.What is an estimate of your total income per year before taxes (US dollars) ?
15.How many weeks of vacation do you get a year?
16.Do you have paid vacation?
17.How many hospitals do you take call at?
18.What is the highest acuity ACS Level hospital you take call at?
19.How much does your hospital charge for a trauma activation fee? (unknown if do not know)
20.Do you have a designated trauma/fracture OR room every day?
21.Do you have hospital employed PAs/NPs for the Ortho Trauma Service?
22.Is there a separate hand call stipend?
23.Is all Trauma Call Taken by Fellowship Trained Traumatologists?
24.For Level I coverage, What is Call Pay/24hr coverage ?
25.For Level II coverage, What is CallPay/24hrs?
26.For Level III coverage, What is CallPay/24hrs?
27.For community hospital coverage without ACS trauma designation, What is CallPay/24hrs?
28.Do you have a MSA(Management Services Agreement) with hospital where you get a percentage of savings to incentivize value based care or implant compliance)?
29.Do you have a trauma director?
30.If yes, is it a paid position?
31.If yes, what's the yearly reimbursement (N/A if No or unsure) ?
32.Do you have ownership in a surgery center?
33.Do you have ownership in MRI, CT or X ray?
34.Do you have own ownership in Durable Medical Equipment DME?
35.Do you have ownership in your office building?
36.Do you think the OTA should more education on the business of orthopedics ?