1. Inpatient versus outpatient work. Most surgeries are being moved into the outpatient setting from the inpatient, and many orthopedic surgeons — such as hand surgeons and sports medicine physicians — already do most of their work in the outpatient setting, Mr. Kilton said. Orthopedic specialists who perform surgeries that may still require inpatient stays, such as neurosurgeons or trauma specialists, are possible exceptions to the employment rule.
2. Access to ancillary revenue. If orthopedic surgeons are not partnered with other ancillary services, the benefits to hospital employment increase because they may not want to experience the downward pressure of other reimbursements.
3. Stage of career. Orthopedic surgeons who are entering the final stages of their careers may find hospital employment more attractive since it involves fewer risks associated with independent private practice, Mr. Kilton said.
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