About Us
History
The American College of Surgeons promulgated its minimal standards for hospital accreditation in 1917. One of its five cardinal principles was “ the elimination of fee splitting.” The definition appeared in a pledge the College required of members since 1913. Despite the attempts to control fee splitting, it persisted.
Fifty-seven Columbus Surgeons with the primary purpose of eliminating fee splitting founded the Columbus Surgical Society on April 1, 1945. The method used to accomplish this goal was an annual audit of the financial accounts of each member. Elimination was achieved and The Columbus Plan became a recognized model used around the country. As this problem was eliminated, the Society transformed into a forum for educational, economic and social discussions; this has continued to the present.
“The CSS was founded on April 1, 1945, by 57 surgeons”
COLUMBUS SURGICAL ASSOCIATES HANDBOOK 1992
Our Current Mission
The mission of the Columbus Surgical Society is to study current educational, social, and economic problems that may influence the care of surgical patients in our community. Additionally, we aim to improve communication and promote camaraderie among our surgeon members, surgical Fellows, residents, and medical students.