3 FAQs on Designing an On-Call Coverage Plan for Cardiologists

Andrew Hresko, an analyst with the Advisory Board Company, answered some frequently asked questions pertaining to the design of on-call coverage plans for cardiovascular physicians.

Advertisement

 

What compensation strategies are available?
Mr. Hresko says his team has seen a range of compensation plans for cardiology call coverage, including:

• Hourly rates
• Daily rates
• Percentage of Medicare fee schedule
• Guaranteed portion of payment based on work relative value units
• Subsidies for malpractice insurance

How much are cardiologists paid for call coverage?
Mr. Hresko pointed to on-call compensation rates from the most recent Medical Group Management Association survey. In 2012, the average daily on-call compensation rate for subspecialists was as follows:

• $423 for noninvasive cardiologists
• $919 for invasive interventional cardiologists
• $1,058 for cardiovascular surgeons

Aside from physicians, what other staff members should be kept on call?
Mr. Hresko said interventional cardiologists will need support from on-call cath teams to respond to emergent cases, such as ST-elevated heart attack patients. On-call cath teams often include a nurse, radiology technician and one or two cardiovascular scrub technicians, according to Mr. Hresko. Most hospitals use a single overnight team for their cath lab.

More Articles on On-Call Coverage:

On-Call Coverage for Surgical Specialists Drops 10% in 2012
7 New Statistics on Physician On-Call Pay
Per Diem Call Coverage and the Anti-Kickback Statute: What is Compliant?

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Compensation Issues

Advertisement

Comments are closed.