Patients weigh in on orthopedic surgeons' pay, reimbursement

(Henry Ford Health System) Most patients don't think an orthopedic surgeon is overpaid but they greatly exaggerate how much a surgeon is reimbursed by Medicare for performing knee surgery, according to a study of patient perceptions by Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.When told of the reimbursement payments, patients found them too low and said they would be willing to pay more out-of-pocket costs. Patients also believe a surgeon should be compensated more for having advanced medical training.