Four orthopedic surgeons terminated privileges at Salina (Kan.) Regional Health Center after it denied their request to be paid $1,800 a day for on-call services, according to a local news report from KWCH.
The surgeons said they felt the request was reasonable because trauma centers across the country are paying for on-call care, according to the report.
Kallie Burgardt, practice administrator of surgeons' private group, The Orthopaedic Sports Clinic of Salina, told KWCH the surgeons' asking price was based on national data and was meant only as a starting point for negotiations. "We were willing to negotiate any and all aspects to improve the entire orthopedic experience and we were never asked to the negotiating table and never allowed to speak to board members," Ms. Burgardt said, according to the report.
Salina Regional Health Center told KWCH on-call pay is rare for a community of its size. Salina has a population of roughly 47,700 as of the 2010 census. The hospital said it would cost an additional $500,000 annually just to pay on-call fees to the surgeons, according to the report.
The surgeons will still provide on-call, 24/7 care though the clinic as well as follow-up emergency room care, according to the report.
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