What determines how much you're paid?

[tabula0rasa]

I am wondering how raises or bonuses are determined in EM. Many specialties pay by the volume, but I think EM pay by the hour, so are there things that you can do to increase your hourly rate without being promoted or getting a new job?

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[turtle md]

This has been discussed before. Try a search.

Basically, there are different models for getting paid - from straight hourly pay to hourly pay w/ production "bonuses" to pure "eat-what-you-kill" where you bill for what you see. So in the basic hourly wage, you get paid a flat rate no matter how busy or calm your shift. With production model, you get a flat rate, plus more depending on how busy your shift and how quick you are (as well as how good you document). With the fee-for-service, you only get paid for what you see.

 

[GeneralVeers]

I am wondering how raises or bonuses are determined in EM. Many specialties pay by the volume, but I think EM pay by the hour, so are there things that you can do to increase your hourly rate without being promoted or getting a new job?

Obama.

 

[Jeff698]

It's all about your contract.

If you are on a straight hourly contract, nothing you do will change your income except working more hours.

If your income is based at least in part on RVUs, then there is something you can do. Document with an eye to capturing charges. Be sure to document procedures, critical care time and every last nitpicking ROS item to be sure you bill a level 5 when you've done a level 5 work up.

Also, the more procedures you do, the more RVUs you'll generate. This is why our system encourages procedures. It's why we have lots of folks who want to go into ortho and few that want to do straight medicine. Procedural specialties pay more.

Take care,
Jeff