COVID-19 Impact on Orthopedic Surgeons: Elective Procedures, Telehealth, and Income

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the response in orthopedic surgery coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic across United States by surveying surgeons about their care setting, timing restrictions on elective surgery, use telehealth, and estimated economic impact. METHODS: A survey distributed via REDCap through state organizations between April July 2020. 22-question digital collected information regarding procedures, location care, utilization reductions annual income. RESULTS: In study, 192 participants responded (average age 49.9 ± 11.0 years, 92.7% male). Responses primarily originated from Alabama (30.2%), Georgia Missouri (16.1%). remainder responses were grouped into category other. Respondents did not vary significantly operative setting or income type (salary, work relative value units, collections). Most documented procedure hospital ambulatory settings. highest frequency closures occurred March 18 20 (47% hospital, 51% ambulatory). Of participants, financial loss estimates varied states (P = 0.005), with 50% physicians claiming >50% losses (24% Georgia, 10% Missouri, 31% other). Regarding practices set up for these services before 2020 states. None had telehealth COVID-19 (Missouri 25%, 9%, other 8%, P 0.06); however, respondents generally split when considering anticipation implementing routine practice. CONCLUSIONS: implement clinic visits procedures early during pandemic. ultimately will result a large revenue practices. Services such as may help offset deliver patients remotely.