Ophthalmology alone saw a $1 billion drop, the highest absolute total of any surgical specialty.
Here are the seven surgical specialties that saw the biggest negative impact in Medicare physician fee spending in 2020, according to the AMA:
|
Medicare Specialty |
2020 expected spending (in millions) |
2020 actual spending (in millions) |
Impact (in millions) |
Impact % |
|
Otolaryngology |
$1,343 |
$1,018 |
-$326 |
-24% |
|
Cardiac surgery |
$271 |
$216 |
-$55 |
-20% |
|
Ophthalmology |
$5,367 |
$4,329 |
-$1,037 |
-19% |
|
Gastroenterology |
$1,680 |
$1,398 |
-$281 |
-17% |
|
Colorectal surgery |
$169 |
$140 |
-$29 |
-17% |
|
Orthopedic surgery |
$3,762 |
$3,175 |
-$587 |
-16% |
|
General surgery |
$1,971 |
$1,656 |
-$315 |
-16% |
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.