Author: Allen Sayer
US healthcare organizations are employing surgicalists to reduce call burden on general surgeons and to manage urgent and unassigned general surgery patient cases, among other responsibilities, according to Gallagher's 2024 Surgicalist Pulse Survey findings.
The pulse survey details staffing practices, clinical hours and compensation for surgicalists — physicians trained in general surgery who work scheduled shifts in a facility to manage and perform surgical procedures. These surgeons work on an as-needed basis, typically covering unassigned or emergent general surgery cases.
Gallagher's survey offers a valuable benchmark for healthcare organizations considering the integration of surgicalists into their staffing models.
Key insights include:
- 57 healthcare organizations participated, including small hospitals and large multi-hospital systems.
- 1,840 hours is the median annual clinical hours requirement for a full-time surgicalist, excluding paid time off.
- Compensation for surgicalists generally falls 10% to 20% lower than that of general surgeons.
- Approximately 20% of organizations that employ surgicalists reduced the base salary or conversion factor for general surgeons performing elective work.
- General surgeons provide unassigned emergency department call at 47% of hospitals employing surgicalists — typically reducing call burden for general surgeons compared to facilities without surgicalists.
Gallagher's Physician Compensation and Valuation consulting team can help your organization navigate the increasingly complex landscape of physician compensation and align your compensation program with the latest market trends.
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