Here are eight statistics on how orthopedic surgeons approach cost of care when treating patients based on the Medscape's Orthopedist and Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation Report: 2012 Results.
1. 30 percent of orthopedic surgeons said they would not reduce testing to contain costs because they will still practice defensive medicine.
2. 46 percent of orthopedic surgeons said they would not reduce testing to contain costs because they don't believe new quality guidelines and cost containment measures are in the patient's best interest.
3. 16 percent of orthopedic surgeons said they would reduce testing to contain costs because it would fall within good guidelines.
4. 7 percent of orthopedic surgeons said they would reduce testing costs because it would affect their income otherwise.
5. 32 percent of orthopedic surgeons said they regularly discuss the cost of treatment with patients.
6. 58 percent of orthopedic surgeons said they will occasionally discuss the cost of care with patients if the patient brings it up.
7. 6 percent of orthopedic surgeons said they don't discuss cost of care with patients because they don't know what the different treatments cost.
8. 5 percent of orthopedic surgeons said they don't discuss the cost of care with patients because they don't feel it appropriate.
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