The St. Elizabeth Healthcare Surgery team offers insight into the advantages of scheduling procedures before the year ends. The team includes Gynecologic Cancer Surgeon and Vice President of Medical Services Kevin Schuler, MD, who shares why timing surgery before January can benefit patients both medically and financially.
Q: What Surgeries Do Patients Often Schedule at Year-End?
Patients often use the end of the year to take care of procedures they’ve been putting off. We see a range of elective surgeries during this time, from hernia repairs, gallbladder removals and joint replacements to fibroid removal, hysterectomy and other minimally invasive procedures. Many people choose this window because they’ve already met their deductible or have time off from work to recover. The timing makes sense for a lot of patients and their families.
St. Elizabeth offers surgery across its campuses and integrates minimally invasive, robotic and advanced techniques. This means medically ready patients can schedule many of these procedures late in the year.
Q: How Does Scheduling Surgery Now Help Patients Maximize Their Health Benefits or Insurance Coverage?
Most insurance plans reset on January 1, which means deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums start over. If you’ve already met those limits, you can save significantly by having your procedure before the new year begins. Some patients also want to use remaining FSA or HSA funds before they expire. It’s a smart choice from both a health and financial standpoint, especially if your surgeon and care team can fit you into the schedule.
Q: Is There Any Clinical Benefit to Having Surgery Before the Year Ends Versus Waiting Until the New Year?
From a clinical standpoint, the answer depends on the person and their condition. If someone’s in pain or already limited in what they can do, delaying surgery may cause them to suffer more than they need to.
When you postpone care, the condition can get worse or become more complicated. For joint disease or hernias, for example, acting sooner can help preserve strength and mobility instead of losing ground over the winter months. On the other hand, if you’re healthy and your surgery isn’t urgent, timing it around the holidays takes some planning. The key is to weigh your symptoms and your readiness with your surgeon rather than default to waiting.
Q: How Can Patients Best Prepare for Recovery During the Holidays or Winter Months?
Recovery takes planning, especially during the holidays. Patients should make sure they have a good support system, including someone to help with meals, errands and transportation. It also helps to prepare the home environment before surgery. This means to clear walkways, remove tripping hazards and place all essential items within reach.
Winter months can bring extra challenges, like weather and seasonal illnesses. We tell patients to stay up-to-date on vaccines, wash their hands often and avoid large gatherings in the days leading up to surgery. When patients plan ahead, recovery during the holidays can be smooth and comfortable.
Q: What Advice Would You Give Someone Weighing the Decision to Have Surgery Now Versus Postponing?
Think about how your condition impacts your daily life. If you’re already hurting or struggling with things like mobility, waiting may not make things easier. When you delay care, it can lead to more pain and a longer recovery. But if your health is stable and your personal schedule doesn’t allow for proper recovery right now, it’s fine to plan for early next year. The most important thing is to make a decision with your care team. And don’t keep pushing it off without a plan.
Q: What Would You Say to Someone Who’s Been Putting Off an Elective Procedure?
It’s completely understandable. People often put off surgery for various reasons, including fear, financial constraints, or simply the demands of life. But if you’ve been living with pain or discomfort, now is a good time to revisit the conversation. Surgery has come a long way in terms of safety and recovery. You don’t have to wait for a “perfect” moment to prioritize your health.
Additionally, some conditions may go from something that can wait to something that becomes more urgent. This includes needing to have your gallbladder removed for gallstones or an infection that requires more urgent intervention. The key here is to speak with your team about the potential risks of waiting.
Don’t underestimate how good you may feel after surgery, particularly if pain or other symptoms are impacting your day-to-day life. We can help you evaluate your options and decide what makes sense before the year closes out.
Q: How Can Patients Get Started with Scheduling or Consultations Before the Year Wraps Up?
Start by reaching out to your surgeon’s office or your primary care provider as soon as possible. Even if you’re not sure about timing, it helps to begin the conversation now. Your care team can confirm insurance details, schedule preoperative tests and walk you through recovery planning. The earlier you start, the more flexibility you’ll have in scheduling. And you’ll head into the new year knowing you’ve already taken an important step for your health. Additionally, as previously mentioned, many patients meet their deductible near the end of the year and then want to schedule their surgery. Planning surgery can take some time, and coordination with both the surgeon and the patient can vary depending on the type of surgery. The key takeaway is not to wait until the last minute.
To learn more about Surgery at St. Elizabeth or to schedule a consultation, call (800) 737-7900 or visit our Surgery page.
