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Surgeon Compensation Models Reviewed

Investigators describe five compensation models across specialties and practice settings

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A systematic review analyzed 39 studies across 13 surgical specialties to evaluate the diversity in surgeon compensation models in the U.S. The models reviewed included salary, work relative value unit (wRVU)-based, hybrid, fee-for-service, and value-based structures. Findings showed that productivity-based models increase surgical volume but do not consider case complexity or nonclinical contributions. Salary models enhance financial stability and teamwork but lower productivity. The research suggests understanding these trade-offs could lead to better compensation structures aligning interests of surgeons and institutions.

Original Source(s)

Surgeon Compensation Models Reviewed

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • March 31, 2026

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