Five Reasons to Schedule your Surgery at the Start of the Year

As we settle into the new year, many of us set goals and resolutions to improve our health and wellbeing. An often overlooked aspect of this planning is the timing of medical procedures, specifically surgeries. The start of the year, in particular, stands out as an optimal time for scheduling surgeries, such as hernia surgery or gallbladder surgery.

1. Maximizing Your Health Insurance Deductible

​Most health insurance plans operate on an annual deductible system, meaning you pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses up to a certain amount before your insurance coverage kicks in fully. Once you meet this deductible, your insurance typically covers a significant portion of your medical costs for the rest of the year.

Why Early in the Year?

• Early Deductible Meeting: Undergoing surgery in the beginning of the year can help you meet your annual deductible sooner. For major procedures like hip or knee replacements, which require extensive follow-up and rehabilitation, meeting your deductible early can be financially beneficial.
• Year-Long Coverage: Once your deductible is met, your subsequent medical costs, such as physical therapy and follow-up appointments, are likely to be covered significantly more by your insurance for the rest of the year. This can be especially advantageous if you require continuous medical care.

2. Planning for the Unexpected

Life is unpredictable and unexpected health issues can arise. Having your deductible met early in the year means you're better prepared financially for any unforeseen medical needs.

“Unfortunately, patients delay care for a variety of reasons, but the problems can get more difficult down the road,” general surgeon, Jay Jennings, MD, said. “For example, a her­nia starts out small, not a major problem at first. But, as it grows, it can cause complications and added suffering, leading to more medical problems and po­tentially a higher expense.”

Peace of Mind

• Reduced Financial Stress: Knowing that your deductible is already met can provide peace of mind. If you need additional treatments or surgeries within the year, you won’t have to worry about meeting a high deductible again.
• Better Financial Planning: With the major part of your deductible out of the way, you can plan your finances more effectively for the year, without the looming uncertainty of medical expenses.

3. Optimizing Recovery Time

Earlier in the year, often being a quieter time period after the holiday season, can be an ideal time for recovery. Worth noting, Norman Regional has made significant advancements in enhancing recovery protocol for their surgical patients in light of recent studies. This has led to improvements in metrics such as better healing, shorter hospital stays, less pain and fewer complications.

“There has been a lot of research into enhanced re­covery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in response to the opioid epidemic,” Jennings explained.

The Benefits of Winter Recovery

• Indoor Recovery: Recovering in the colder months means you’ll likely be spending more time indoors, which can be conducive to the recovery process, especially after major surgeries like joint replacements.
• Reduced Social Commitments: Post-holiday season, social commitments tend to decrease. This can offer a more peaceful and less hectic environment for recovery.

4. Scheduling Advantages

Hospitals and surgical centers often experience a surge in elective surgeries towards the end of the year, as people rush to utilize their insurance benefits. The start of the year is typically less busy.

Easier Scheduling

• More Availability: You’re likely to find more availability for your preferred surgeons early in the year.
• Flexibility: With less demand, you might have greater flexibility in choosing surgery dates and times that best suit your schedule.

5. Psychological Boost

Starting the year with a major positive step towards your health can have significant psychological benefits.

A Fresh Start

• Motivational: Successfully undergoing and recovering from surgery can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and a positive mindset for the year ahead.
• Goal-Oriented Recovery: Aligning your surgery with the start of a new year can help in setting clear health goals and recovery milestones.

Financing your Surgery at Norman Regional

Not only does scheduling your surgery at the start of the year come with all of the benefits listed above, it’s also easier to navigate the costs associated with your procedure through Norman Regional’s zero percent health service financing. Norman Regional has financing options for all services, but for surgeries in particular, it can be especially helpful. This gives you the power to pay for your procedure with a plan that works for you, allowing you to meet your deductible early.

By strategically planning your surgery at the start of the year, you can maximize insurance benefits, reduce financial stress and set a positive tone for your health for the rest of the year. It's a decision that not only makes sense financially but also aligns with a holistic approach to health planning and recovery allowing you to personalize your care by taking control of it early.

Oklahoma Surgical Associates – Compassionate Care, Leading-Edge Technology

Norman Regional’s flagship surgery clinic, Oklahoma Surgical Associates, is committed to providing the highest standard of surgical care to Oklahoma. As part of the recent Norman Regional Hospital expansion, all surgeries are performed at Norman Regional Hospital.

“Norman and Cleveland County in general are growing communities,” Jennings said. “We expanded our hospi­tal and our staff because we want to make sure people can get in to address their needs as soon as possible.”

In additional to growth in Norman, Oklahoma Surgical Associates recognizes that there is a need for better access to surgical care south of Norman as well. That is why Dr. Jennings also offices in Purcell, bringing surgical excellence to patients closer to home for many Oklahomans who prefer to not drive further north.

To learn more about scheduling your surgery with Oklahoma Surgical Associates, call 405-515-4099 or visit the Oklahoma Surgical Associates page today.