A study in The Journal of Arthroplasty surveyed patients on their attitudes regarding surgeon owned medical facilities.
Researchers surveyed 280 patients at two medical centers on their attitudes towards surgeon ownership of three orthopedic-related businesses: a surgery center, a physical therapy center and an imaging facility.
Here's what they found.
1. Two-hundred-and-fourteen patients, 76 percent, completed the questionnaire.
2. Seventy-three percent agreed it is ethical for surgeon to own a surgery center and 77 percent agreed it was ethical for a surgeon to own a PT practice or an imaging facility.
3. Most patients, 67 percent, thought surgeon ownership would have no impact on patient/physician trust.
4. Forty-seven percent of respondents believed a surgeon would perform more surgeries at their own center; 61 percent believed surgeons would refer more patients to a surgeon owned PT clinic; and 58 percent believed surgeons would order more imaging to a surgeon owned imaging center.
5. However, 85 percent of respondents believed a surgeon should disclose his ownership in any orthopedic-related business.
6. The researchers concluded, "Although patients express concern over and desire disclosure of surgeon ownership of orthopedic-related businesses, the majority believes that it is an ethical practice and feel comfortable receiving care at such a facility."
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