Creating a Rural Plastic Surgery Practice: Social and Financial Impacts

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Rural Health
• Healthcare Economics

Background:

• Millions in the US lack access to plastic surgeons, particularly in rural areas.
• Rural healthcare limitations negatively impact quality of life and health outcomes.
• The specifics of developing rural plastic surgery practices remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the surgical procedures and financial performance of a newly established rural plastic surgery practice.
• To analyze the initial 1.5 years of a single surgeon's practice in a rural critical access hospital.
• To understand the implications of rural plastic surgery for both patient care and community economics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a single surgeon's practice data over 1.5 years.
• Analysis of clinic visits, surgical procedures, and revenue streams.
• Categorization of surgical services (hand vs. general plastic surgery) and revenue sources.

Main Results:

• The practice conducted 2062 clinic visits and 305 surgeries.
• Approximately 70% of surgeries were hand-related, with the remainder being general plastic surgery.
• The practice generated $8 million in charges and $3.5 million in collections, including surgical, clinical, and downstream revenue.

Conclusions:

• A rural plastic surgery practice can positively impact medical care availability in underserved areas.
• The financial viability of such practices is demonstrated through significant collections and revenue generation.
• Establishing rural plastic surgery services offers a dual benefit of improved healthcare access and economic contribution to rural communities.