MGMA survey: Urologist compensation down nearly 5%

Urologists saw their median compensation drop by 4.66% in 2010, recent survey results indicate.

Overall, primary and specialty care physicians reported mixed movement in compensation in 2010, according to results from the Medical Group Management Association’s physician compensation and production survey. Urologists earned $372,455, a decrease of 4.66% since 2009. Radiologists earned a median compensation of $471,253, a decrease of 1.58%, and physicians in internal medicine earned $205,379 in median compensation, an increase of 4.21% since 2009. Anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists reported decreased compensation while psychiatrists, dermatologists, neurologists, and general surgeons reported an increase.

Regional data included in the report reveal compensation discrepancies among physicians based on geographic location. In the Southern region, primary and specialty-care physicians reported the highest earnings at $216,170 and $404,000 respectively. Primary and specialty-care physicians in the Eastern section reported the lowest median compensation at $194,409 and $305,575, respectively.

"A number of factors may attribute to regional differences in physician compensation," said Jeffrey B. Milburn, MBA, of the MGMA. "The supply and demand for primary care or specialty physicians may influence compensation. A high level of competition between groups or specific specialties may provide an opportunity for payers to reduce reimbursement. In states where payers have little competition, reimbursement and subsequent physician compensation may be lower."