Foran JR, Sheth NP, Ward SR, Della Valle CJ, Levine BR, Sporer SM, Paprosky WG.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient perception of orthopedic
surgeon reimbursement for total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty. A total of
1120 consecutive patients were asked what they believed a surgeon should be paid
for performing THA and TKA. Patients were then asked to estimate what Medicare
actually reimbursed for each of these procedures. On average, patients thought
that surgeons should receive $14,358 for THA and $13,332 for TKA. Patients
estimated actual Medicare reimbursement to be $8212 for THA and $7196 for TKA.
Most of the patients stated that Medicare reimbursement was "much lower" than
what it should be. Many patients commented that given this discrepancy, surgeons
may drop Medicare, which may decrease access to quality hip and knee
arthroplasties.
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