Ok, I had some minor surgery this past September (no, I didn’t have a nicer personality implanted in me. That would have been “MAJOR” surgery) and I discovered first hand the latest in medical advancement, the “Surgi-Center.” Have you seen these things? They are free-standing buildings purchased by a physician or physicians group supposedly as a way to eliminate the cluttering of hospitals with out-patient procedures. They are NOT a doctor’s office! Heavens no, these are beautifully decorated, antiseptic, serene, operating rooms complete with clerical staff, nurses, anesthesiologist and of course, the doctor who comes equipped with that ridiculously flowered surgical cap and the latest issue of “Lamborghini for Rich Doctors” magazine.

Proponents of these “surgi-centers” indicate that the advantage of these facilities is that it eliminates the busy, hectic, bureaucratic atmosphere of a hospital and you feel like you’re getting personal attention. In addition, you are treated courteously by the fully-trained staff.

Yeah, well let me tell you something, if I wanted courtesy, hugs and kisses, l’d have the surgery at Nordstrom’s! I want a great doctor to fix me up, make me well and let me go home. Whether it be in a surgi-center or a hospital, I’m entitled to good quality medical care.

The sweet, courteous, well-trained Nurse Wratchett made 3 attempts to squirt drops in my eye. She missed on the first 2. I asked her if she was going to charge me for the first 2 misses. She smiled and said, “Of course I am dear.” When she turned her back, I put the tiny bottle in my pocket.

Opponents of surgi-centers would argue that it is a billing gimmick (separate tax I.D. # than the regular office) and that many, not all of the procedures can indeed be done in the doctor’s office. The doctor bills the carrier under a completely different code which comes complete with codes for anesthesia, the room itself (which was more expensive then the Wynn Hotel in Vegas) and the smiling, kissy, huggy people. I’m wondering, any possibility the doctor is given incentives by the hospital to open up these centers so as to not use the hospital’s operating rooms for “minor procedures”…..mmmmmm!

It is important to advise your clients to check their policy to see how their particular plan covers “Surgi-Centers” or out-patient surgery at a location “other than a hospital” Obviously, we hope they are going to an in-network facility but even then, it might be covered subject to a deductible and co-insurance. It is vital for them to understand that procedures done at a “surgi-center” MAY NOT BE COVERED THE SAME AS AN OFFICE VISIT.” The insurance carrier might even classify this coverage under “not in doctor’s office” on their plan descriptions.

Thanks to modern technology, people do not have to be subjected to overnight stays in hospitals for “minor” procedures as much as they did back in the day. However, sometimes payment for these “out-patient” procedures can result in some pretty steep out-of–pocket expenditures by the insured.

I must admit, my surgery was a success, I was in and out in 3 hours and I was treated very well. Surgi-Centers are more visible than ever, they are here to stay and we should be mindful as to their advantages and disadvantages.

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