Objective To put forward a reform assumption of physician payment model based on review of physician payment models abroad. Methods Literature review and expert interview. Results Physician payment model and its reform patterns overseas were discussed. Problems of current physician payment model in Chinese public hospitals were analyzed. Conclusions The physician payment reform in public hospitals should focus on raising physician salary. The investment of resources and technology of medical service projects should be measured reasonably. Setting up responsibility center , saving health care costs and improve the quality of health care are the most important three aspects of physician payment model reform in Chinese public hospitals.