Survey Analysis of Orthopedic Call Compensation

Abstract

We sought to determine the type, frequency, and compensation details of orthopedic call for orthopedic traumatologists. We administered a 24-question survey to all members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association regarding the number and type of orthopedic surgeons within the call pool, frequency of call, number of hospitals covered, and compensation for weekday, weekend, holiday, and pediatric calls. A total of 105 orthopedic surgeons replied. The most common number of physicians in the call pool was 6 to 10 (42.9%), whereas the most common number of traumatologists was 0 to 5 (90.5%), with 71.4% taking call at 1 hospital. Further, 56.7% were paid separately for weekday trauma call, with the most common number of call days per week being 2. The most common compensation was $1001 to $1500 (31.6%). For weekend call, 49.5% of physicians were paid separately, with the most common number of weekends on call per year being 11 to 15 (34.3% of replies). For pediatric call, 54.3% of physicians took call, with 28.6% paid separately and 33.3% receiving $0 to $500. For holiday call, 40.2% of physicians were paid separately, with 30.8% receiving $1001 to $1500. We describe the characteristics of traumatology call. Approximately 50% of physicians (range, 28.6%–56.3%) are compensated separately for taking different forms of call (ie, weekday, weekend, holiday). [ Orthopedics . 2022;45(5):293–296.]