Fewer than 1 in 5 survey respondents said their rural market has enough permanent local general surgery capacity, according to a report from Jackson Physician Search, LocumTenens.com and MGMA.
The report also cites an ACS estimate that a rural surgeon can contribute $1.05 million to $2.7 million a year to a small hospital. It cites a separate survey in which 12% of critical access hospital administrators said their hospital would close if surgical capacity were lost.
Here is how respondents rated general surgery and anesthesiology, among other findings:
- General surgery coverage: 18% of respondents rated it adequate. Sixty-one percent said permanent surgeons are there but capacity is thin, and 17% said coverage is alternative or absent.
- Anesthesiology coverage: 8% rated it adequate, 58% rated it thin and 31% said it is alternative or absent.
- Stakes: 63% of respondents said losing local general surgery access would have significant consequences.
- Protect vs. grow: respondents were nearly split on whether to protect existing general surgery capacity (36%) or grow it (40%).
- Coverage options: among respondents who need a coverage decision within 12 months, 65% said permanent recruitment could work long term for general surgery. For shorter-term coverage, 71% supported locum tenens and 65% supported visiting surgeons.
- Options rated not viable: 82% said telehealth is not viable for general surgery, and 94% said reducing or discontinuing the service is not viable.
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.
