Out of pocket surgery or have it treated in the office?

Today was interesting.

The patient was an elderly Asian man. He complained of a large mass on his left upper anterior chest. After an examination, Doc decided that it could be excised here in the office.

After applying the anesthetic and removing the mass she measured the foreign mass. It was over 3.5 cm in diameter! It was then sent to the pathology lab for analysis to ensure that the mass is benign and doesn't present any further complications.

Most internists would not want to commit to this kind of procedure in the office. Patients would rather have it done at a surgical center or specialty facility. However, this patient was completely willing and trusting of doing the procedure in the office.

I was just amazed by the trust exhibited by the patient with Dr. But I understood the reasoning behind the patient. Think of the convenience on the behalf of the patient.

If the patient had gone to a surgical center, the excision would cost over $3,000 out of pocket. Then add the ridiculous amount of paperwork and waiting time. On top of that, the patient has no existing relationship with those Doc at that particular surgical center or urgent center. The Doc patient relationship is critical in determining the proper treatment for the patient.