A Cross-Sectional Survey of Interventional Radiologists and Vascular Surgeons Regarding the Cost and Reimbursement of Common Devices and Procedures

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate knowledge of interventional radiologists (IRs) and vascular surgeons (VSs) on the cost of common devices and procedures and to determine factors associated with differences in understanding.

Materials and methods: An online survey was administered to US faculty IRs and VSs. Demographic information and physicians' opinions on hospital costs were elicited. Respondents were asked to estimate the average price of 15 commonly used devices and to estimate the work relative value units (wRVUs) and average Medicare reimbursements for 10 procedures. Answer estimates were deemed correct if values were ± 25% of the actual costs. Multivariate logistical regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Of the 4,926 participants contacted, 1,090 (22.1%) completed the questionnaire. Overall, 19.8%, 22.8%, and 31.9% were accurate in price estimations of devices, Medicare reimbursement, and wRVUs for procedures. Physicians who thought themselves adequately educated about wRVUs were more accurate in predicting procedural costs in wRVUs than physicians who responded otherwise (odds ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval, 1.29-1.52; P < .0001). Estimation accuracies for procedures showed a positive trend in more experienced physicians (≥ 16 y), private practice physicians, and physicians who practice in rural areas.

Conclusions: This study suggests that IRs and VSs have limited knowledge regarding device costs. Given the current health care environment, more attention should be placed on cost education and awareness so that physicians can provide the most cost-effective care.