%0 Journal Article
%T Regional Variations of Medicare Physician Payments for Hand Surgery Procedures in the United States
%A Andrew B. Stein
%A Antonio Cusano
%A David R. Veltre
%A Emily J. Curry
%A Josef K. Eichinger
%A Mark Yakavonis
%A Robert L. Parisien
%A Scott F.M. Duncan
%A Xinning Li
%J HAND
%@ 1558-9455
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/1558944717734370
%X Background: Medicare reimbursement is known to exhibit geographic variation for inpatient orthopedic procedures. This study determined whether US geographic variations also exist for commonly performed hand surgeries. Methods: Using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data (2012-2013) from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, we analyzed regional physician charges/payments for common outpatient hand surgeries. Results: The most commonly performed procedures in the United States were open carpal tunnel release (n = 21 944), trigger finger release (n = 15 345), endoscopic carpal tunnel release (n = 7106), and basal joint arthroplasty/ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (n = 2408). A range of average Medicare physician reimbursements existed based on geographic region for basal joint arthroplasty ($669-$571), endoscopic carpal tunnel release ($400-$317), open carpal tunnel release ($325-$261), and trigger finger release ($215-$167). The latter three exhibited statistically significant variation across geographic regions with regard to both charges and physician reimbursement. However, the overall percentage physician reimbursement (70%-79%) to charges was similar across all geographic regions. Conclusions: In conclusion, further research is warranted to determine why regional or geographic variations in physician payments exist in the United States for commonly performed hand surgeries
%K Medicare reimbursement
%K commonly performed hand surgeries
%K open carpal tunnel release
%K trigger finger release
%K endoscopic carpal tunnel release
%K basal joint arthroplasty
%K regional variations in Medicare reimbursement
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1558944717734370