Hand Surgery

Hello again.

Wondering about a career in Hand Surgery, particularly a private-based practice. I've heard it can be difficult to make a decent salary because reimbursement for hand procedures stink.

Any thoughts/insights on what it's like out there.
What's the market place like for hand surgeons? reimbursement?
quality of life? etc.

thanks to all who reply.

depends what you consider a "decent" salary I suppose. I dont know any hand surgeons on food stamps. Many of their procedures are smaller/shorter (trigger fingers, carpal tunnels, etc) but also dont take long so their relative lack of reimbursement for these smaller procedures can be made up for in volume. It is not uncommon for one of our hand guys to do 10 to 15 cases in a day if he is allowed to bounce back and forth b/t two OR's

There is a plethra of hand positions available across the country. So it should not be difficult to find a job.

The following numbers are from a Medical Group Management Association survey of 140 hand surgeons using 2002 data:

mean compensation = $475,257
75th percentile compensation = $606,250

Means according to geography didn't differ much.

The average for spine surgery was $620,380.

There is an updated report you can buy from the Association at www.mgma.com .

These discussions can rage for hours, but I talked to one hand surgeon in private practice who does a fair amount of shoulder work as well. He works (OR and clinic) from 8am to 5pm on average, five days a week. 95% of the stuff that comes into the ER, he sees the next day. He's at a "hand only" practice - no general ortho call. He asked his general ortho buddies, whose salaries are 50% higher than his, what percentage of their OR time is spent after 5pm - they said, easily 40% or so.

I'm starting my hand fellowship in August. One thing I'm realizing is that you can work as hard as you want to, especially if you have no ties to a group of partners. Don't forget that many practices offer alternative income streams once you're a partner, like MRI, PT, surgery center.

nice reply johngalt. thanks.

through your own experience which in your opinion are the best hand fellowships? i'm interested in the coasts. either new york/philly or california specifically.

also, i'm surprised with the salary figures you mentioned, i've heard hand guys make the least because of low reimbursements for the simple outpatient-type procedures they perform.

thanks again for your thoughts and information.

I'm on hand right now and I would not characterize alot of this stuff as simple. Hand is similar to sports and foot in that you need VOLUME for a decent income. That being said, there is the bread and butter carpal tunnels, etc. It's nice because a lot of it is outpatient.

I know hand surgeons are taking a bit more of a hit because workers comp reimbursements are going down and they see a lot of industrial injuries.

Don't sweat it...you'll do fine money wise no matter what.