| SIC Codes: | 8011 |
| NAICS Codes: | 621111 |
Practitioners in this industry use surgical techniques to treat diseases and disorders. No major companies dominate the industry.
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 practices depends mainly on expertise and reputation. Larger practices may enjoy economies of scale in administration. While most surgeons operate in urban areas, many can compete effectively by locating their practices in underserved areas.
Surgeons perform operations, consult with patients on preventive care, and conduct diagnostic tests. Within the general practice of surgery, the industry is segmented into subspecialties including neurosurgery and orthopedic, cardiovascular, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), plastic, and reconstructive surgeries. Common problems treated by general surgeons include hernias, breast tumors, gallstones, appendicitis, pancreatitis, bowel obstructions, colon inflammation, and colon cancer, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. General surgeons increasingly provide care through the use of minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques.