| SIC Codes: | 8011 |
| NAICS Codes: | 621111 |
US surgeons generate revenue primarily from providing patient care services, but also from pharmaceutical sales and fees for lab tests. Revenue comes from private sources, such as insurers and patients, and public sources, such as government-sponsored health departments and Medicare/Medicaid.
Demand is driven primarily by the number of patients requiring surgery for injury, disease, or deformity. Most surgeons provide general surgery, though many choose to focus on specialties. The profitability of individual surgeons depends mainly on expertise and reputation. While most surgeons operate in urban areas, many can compete effectively by locating their practices in underserved areas. Average annual hospital revenue per general surgeon is more than $2 million, according to a 2010 Merritt Hawkins survey.
Surgeons perform operations, consult with patients on preventative care, and conduct diagnostic tests. Within the general practice of surgery, the industry is segmented into subspecialties including neurosurgery, orthopedic, cardiovascular, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), plastic, and reconstructive surgeries.