Impact of a funds flow model on surgeon productivity at one academic medical center

Background: Academic medical centers (AMCs) rely on clinical revenue to support the missions of research and education. Funds Flow model (FFM) is a financial model proposed to enhance the ability to do that. Some have argued the FFM has increased pressure for clinical productivity (CP), so we measured CP before and after implementation of a FFM. Methods: A FFM system was implemented in 2014. All Department of Surgery faculty with two years of practice prior to and after FFM initiation were included. The percentage of adjusted work relative value unit benchmarks met was compared between pre- and post-FFM using t-tests and ANOVA. Results: Fifty-one surgeons were included. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical productivity in the pre- and post-FFM periods. Thirteen surgeons (25%) had significantly lower CP after FFM implementation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: No changes in faculty productivity were identified in individuals or by division after implementation of an FFM.