Shifts in Current Pediatric Surgical Practice and Concerning Implications for the Coming Transition from Volume to Value

AbstractPurpose of ReviewSignificant questions have arisen regarding the makeup, distribution, and characteristics of the current pediatric surgical workforce. Further, recent changes in the numbers of trainees, employment status, and compensation models have created a good deal of uncertainty as to where pediatric surgical practice is headed. These changes in workforce composition and also the upcoming transition of payment from volume to value will be discussed.Recent FindingsA membership survey by the Practice Committee of the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) to evaluate the characteristics of the workforce was undertaken in 2021, and the results are reviewed. Over 90% were employed either in academics, or by a hospital or medical center, and 8% were in traditional “private practice.” 90% worked primarily at a children’s facility and 16% at a community hospital. Income was mostly derived from salary with incentive (55%), although 31% were employed with salary only and 8% were based solely on productivity. 7% worked partly or solely as locum tenens. Quest ions were raised regarding the overall comfort of recent graduates managing complex cases. Only 40% of practices had some form of sub-specialization within their practice. Given the recent increases in number of training programs and trainees and the transition to a largely employed workforce, discu ssion of the upcoming transition from volume to value is presented.SummaryThe survey provides a broad-bas...
Source: Current Surgery Reports - Category: Surgery Source Type: research