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A Nine-Year Comparison of Practice Profiles of Candidates for Primary and Recertification Examinations of the American Board of Plastic Surgery using CPT Code Analysis
Michelle Lee, M.D. Arun K. Gosain, M.D, Harold Haller, Ph.D,Terry M. Cullison, R.N. R. Barrett Noone, M.D, Directors of the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Case Western Reserve University
2013-02-19
Presenter: Michelle Lee
Affidavit:
50% of the work is the original work of the resident
Director Name: Hooman Soltanian
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
PURPOSE: This study examines the practice patterns of plastic surgeons applying for Recertification/Maintenance of Certification to those applying for Primary Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) between 2003-2011.
METHODS: ABPS case-logs from both Recertification and Primary Certification candidates from 2003-2011 were examined. Trends in the percentage of surgeons performing each type of procedure and case volume per surgeon per case collection period were analyzed for twenty ABPS tracer procedures and four non-tracer procedures from 2003 to 2011. Statistical analysis included multiple regression and shift-away analyses.
RESULTS: An average of 161 candidates per year applied for Primary certification (range 143 to 186 candidates) and 191 candidates per year applied for Recertification. From 2003 to 2011, general trends observed were: 1. Economic contractures negatively affected elective plastic surgery procedures. For the mature plastic surgeon, case volume decreased but for the new plastic surgeon, the opportunity to perform the procedure decreased. 2. There was a decrease in the percentage of seasoned plastic surgeons performing facial cosmetic procedures and facial malignancy procedures. 3. Breast reconstruction steadily rose among both new and mature plastic surgeons. 4. Craniofacial surgery was a relatively stable field with little change in case volume and the percentage of surgeons performing the cases. Lastly, 5. Hand surgery experienced both a loss in the percentage of surgeons performing the cases as well as case volume.
CONCLUSIONS: Plastic surgery is an ever-changing field subject to economic influences and patterns of practice from other specialties.
