Abstract: The Impact of the Sunshine Act Open Payments Database on Industry Financial Relationships in Plastic Surgery

RESULTS: Our survey generated 404 responses. Regional distribution was as follows: West 9.75%; Midwest 27.8%; Northeast 24.3%; South 37.3%. 46.9% reported having been in practice for at least 20 years. 61.4% reported being in private practice; 26.1% reported having been in academia. Regarding practice size, 32.9% worked in a group practice (3 or more surgeons), 22.4% in partnership, and 23.4% in solo practice. For partnerships, 40.7% had made formal legal and 9.28% had made informal arrangements. 64.2% of respondents did not seek legal assistance. 42.9% reported claims-made malpractice coverage; 17.2% tail; 24.4% unspecified coverage; 0.75% had none. 33.4% of respondents reported employer purchased policies, whereas 65.6% purchased their own. 72.9% indicated having “own occupation” disability coverage. 7% of respondents reported inflation-adjusted salaries of $100,000-$150,000, 23% each for $151,000-$200,000 and $201,000-$250,000, 19% for $250,000-$300,000, 15% for $301,000-$400,000, and 12% in excess of $400,000. For options, 39.3% reported compensation incentives, 14.6% compensation by formula, 13.9% percentage-based compensation, 29.0% moving/relocation expenses, 1.26% student loan forgiveness, 8.31% signing bonus, and 46.1% expense reimbursements; 31.0% indicated that none applied. Using a five-point scale, 9.46% reported being “extremely dissatisfied” with their first contracts (score of 1); 24.1% were “perfectly happy” (score of 5). 311 respondents offered advice, with themes including seeking legal counsel, cautioning against non-compete clauses, seeking mentorship, and considering eventual solo practice.