$22,000 Per Hour: Assistants Use a Legislative Loophole to Outearn Surgeons

A federal law addressing surprise medical billing has resulted in higher compensation for some surgical assistants compared to the physicians they assist. The law, which took effect in 2022, established payment rates for out-of-network services that, when applied to surgical assistant roles, produced hourly rates exceeding those of surgeons in certain cases. Healthcare industry analysts have noted the disparity between intended outcomes and actual implementation of the billing regulation. Some medical groups and insurers have questioned whether the payment structure aligns with the law's original objectives, while others argue the rates reflect market-based compensation for the services provided.

Next story