I don't at all presume nefarious intentions. As if physicians don't try to make money. My original comment was a tongue in cheek defense of the status quo because I took offense at the comment that surgeons just like to keep cutting. Sure, I'm "just" a veterinarian, but I like to cut as little as possible.

I do know that doctors like to keep it moving. Surgeons like to start early and finish early. Nobody wants to get bogged down in a specific procedure. As far as profitability (or cost recovery, whatever euphemism) is concerned, doing several short procedures beats one longer procedure, even when surgery time is billed by the minute.

You ignore the fact that many doctors leave the strict employ of the hospital for a private practice that still bills through the hospital. While they are still salaried, they also get a profit share, usually divvied out on productivity. There is no one model. But you're right, I have no idea how it's typically done in IR, NIR, IC etc.