Background: Consolidation of physician practices is well-documented in recent years, yet minimal data exist regarding consolidation in general surgery. This study evaluates current trends in general surgery practice consolidation.
Methods: Data were obtained through the CMS Physician Compare database. Surgeons and practices were categorized by size, and trends were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage test. Data were stratified by US region.
Results: From 2012 to 2020, practicing general surgeons increased from 20,044 to 20,637 (+3%). Unique general surgery practices declined from 8178 to 6489 (-21%). The percentage of surgeons in practices of 1 or 2 declined from 19% to 12%, while surgeons in groups of 500 or more grew from 20% to 31%. Tests for trends towards consolidation at both the individual surgeon and unique practice levels were significant (p < .001). The Midwest region demonstrated the highest degree of consolidation.
Conclusion: Consistent with trends in medicine overall, general surgery is experiencing substantial practice consolidation.
Keywords: Consolidation; General surgery; Health economics; Practice size; Practice trends.
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.