When will 5 ASC specialties return to pre-COVID-19 income levels?

Here are five ASC specialties and when physicians say their income will recover, based on Medscape’s 2021 Physician Compensation Report:

Orthopedics:

• 43 percent of orthopedists say income will return to pre-COVID-19 levels in the next 2-3 years
• 41 percent say in the next year
• 12 percent say it will never return
• 4 percent say in the next 4-5 years 
• 0 percent say in more than 5 years

Ophthalmology:

• 53 percent of ophthalmologists say income will return to pre-COVID-19 levels in the next year
• 37 percent say in the next 2-3 years
• 8 percent say it will never return 
• 2 percent say in the next 4-5 years 
• 1 percent says in more than 5 years

Gastroenterology:

• 50 percent of gastroenterologists say income will return to pre-COVID-19 levels in the next year
• 34 percent say in the next 2-3 years
• 14 percent say they will never return
• 2 percent say in the next 4-5 years 
• 0 percent say in more than 5 years

Anesthesia:

• 45 percent of anesthesiologists say income will return to pre-COVID-19 levels in the next year
• 36 percent say in the next 2-3 years
• 14 percent say it will never return
• 3 percent say in the next 4-5 years 
• 1 percent says in more than 5 years

Cardiology:

• 48 percent of cardiologists say income will return to pre-COVID-19 levels in the next year
• 38 percent say in the next 2-3 years
• 9 percent say it will never return 
• 3 percent say in the next 4-5 years 
• 1 percent says in more than 5 years

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.