News and briefs: Compensation for on-call services vary by specialty, region

About 30% of physicians receive a daily stipend for on- call coverage, according to the Medical Group Management Association’s (MGMA’s) Medical Directorship and On-Call Compensation Survey.

“Payment levels vary due to a multitude of factors, including but not limited to, type of call, frequency of contact, supply of providers, and the individual market profile. Access to benchmark information is crucial to support a fair and fact-based setting of call rates,” says Steven Strode, MS, national survey advisory committee member, MGMA- American College of Medical Practice Executives, in a press release.

Survey results show the median stipend for general surgeons in the Midwest is $500 per day, compared to $920 per day in the eastern region, and $1,000 in the western region. As for specialties, here are some of the daily median variations as reported by MCMA:

• Anesthesiologists: $1,500
• Internal medicine: $1,000
• Noninvasive cardiologists: $650
• Family medicine (without OB/GYN): $50

To read more of the survey results, click here.