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SGO releases statement on the state of gynecologic oncology
2010 data provides insights into practice patterns, compensation and demographics.
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The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists recently has just released the results of a member-based, demographic and practice survey: “Gynecologic Oncology 2010: State of the Subspecialty.” The comprehensive survey takes examines specific aspects of a gynecologic oncology, including changes in practice characteristics and patterns, workload activities, liability, revenues, expenses and financials in the current environment compared with the environment five years ago.
“This is the most inclusive snapshot of the gynecologic oncology profession available,” said James Orr, MD, SGO Practice Survey Task Force chairman. “The information in this report is a useful tool not only to current, practicing gynecologic oncologists with regard to how their practice composition relates to their peers, but also has important implications for individuals considering a career in this subspecialty, medical schools interested in creating a specialty program and hospitals and health systems investigating the addition of specialized cancer care to their women’s health care programs.”
“The ability to compare and contrast the subspecialty’s current climate with that of five years ago gives our profession a concrete idea to the trends in women’s cancer care,” said Daniel Clarke-Pearson, MD, president of SGO. “The study’s findings offer a real indication of practice workforce needs, what is required of today’s gynecologic oncologist, and a road map for where the profession is heading in the future.”
Highlights from the survey include:
- A movement in the profession to younger-aged practitioners and a larger number of women entering the specialty.
- A shift away from private practice as the primary practice setting into salaried positions and an increase in group or multi-specialty practice from individual practice.
- An increase in the number of medical assistants, nurse practitioners and physician assistants employed in gynecologic oncology practices.
- A continued dedication to providing chemotherapy services to patients regardless of the changes in reimbursement rates, as well as the continuation of enrollment of patients into cooperative studies vs. the more revenue neutral or positive industry-sponsored trials.
- The positive effect of caps on non-economic and total damages on the cost of medical liability/malpractice insurance.
- An overall willingness of gynecologic oncologists to accept/treat women with a gynecologic cancer without knowledge of insurance coverage and the preponderance of Medicare and Medicaid patients seen in a practice vs. private insurance.
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