Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025
Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction
Published on: March 24, 2023
Current trends in U.S. general surgery practice consolidation
Scott T Anderson1, Jacob B Hammond2, Jacob S Hogan3
1Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD: