How EP's are compensated. Does it matter?

[Jsguy21]

In the US, I am comparing getting an ablation by an EP that is paid for each procedure vs an EP that is on a salary. It is more likely that an EP on salary will take more time and not rush thru the procedure, resulting in a better outcome for me?

[Hidden]

Salaried doctors more stressed? More pressure from employers? You could ask the same question about any occupation.

medicaleconomics.com/view/e...

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

Interesting article with some good insights.

The corporatization of medicine is part of the problem.

That to me is the heart of the matter but US is so anti any type of socialised medicine that’s not going to change in a hurry!

[etheral in reply to Hidden]

A fascinating theoretical question. CDreamer' s advice to go with the medical center with the best out. comes and reputation is great advice irregardless of how the EP's are paid. Theoretically the doc who is paid by the procedure has greater incentive to make sure he/she gets good results because their monetary compensation is based on their reputation and results. The referring cardiologist should have some opinion on specific EPs. That being said, I worked on salary that varied greatly at different hospitals for almost 30 years and the pay certainly had no bearing on how patients were treated. Because I was on salary it made no difference to me on whether the patients were able to pay or not for the cost of the visit. Bottom line, it comes down to the skill of the individual practitioner and the abilities of the non physician personnel, nurses, lab personnel etc. I don't believe the method of payment would make any difference. This would come down to a n argument between capitalism and socialism which is not appropriate here. Get as many local reccomend actions as possible to make your decision. I apologize for going on so long and wish you the best of luck for a successful procedure.

[CDreamer]

All I can give is my own experience of having private practice in the UK v NHS, which is pretty much in line with salaried doctors are more stressed, however, that doesn’t mean they will do a worse job because there are also advantages as salaried will often do more procedures so gain expertise and experience more quickly and have more collegial support. If I could I would choose the centre with the best reputation and best outcomes because like everyone else, some people thrive on stress whilst others wilt.

In our system you can see the same doctor privately for a consultation and have the procedure done on the NHS - don’t know if that is possible in the US?

[doodle68]

Hello Jsguy rather that salary/no salary for me the most significant factor would be the number of successful procedures carried out, 'practice makes perfect' as they say .

[BobD Volunteer in reply to doodle68]

Quite agree Doodle. Always a danger of lots of small centres poping up to cash in with little experiece. See it with every walk of life.

[Jsguy21 in reply to doodle68]

Both of the EPS I am considering have lots of experience and so many procedures. Is it even possible to compare their outcomes ? Who supplies that information ?

[rosyG]

Ablations require a lot of staff and lab time and an EP never knows how long a procedure is going to take so I don't think you need to worry- it's not like fitting in as many dental appointments as possible!

[The_Lord_is_with_Us]

I've always sought out the best EP's in the world. And I've flown to my procedures. I don't care how they get paid. They get to their position by knowledge, experience and results.

The question is: are you going to cave to convenience and see a less accomplished EP .... or will you do everything possible to consult with the best EP who will render to you world-class, cutting edge treatment.

[Desanthony]

Hard to say really. A good EP and a good Doctor should do their very best for their patient regardless of time, pressure and pay.