What is a "Surgical Assistant"?

Surgical assistants are highly skilled and fully trained licensed and/or Certified allied health professionals*. The staff assistants at OMNI SURGICAL are credentialed through a process similar to that utilized to evaluate physicians for credentialing purposes.It is a highly scrutinized process that is quite extensive. These assistants provide their services to patients during surgery . Such duties include, but are not limited to, identification of anatomical landmarks, securing blood vessels, recognizing pathological situations and providing and securing adequate, safe and proper exposure of the operative field, closure of the surgical wound, application of casts, dressings, etc., they also perform other duties delegated by the operating surgeon within the scope of their professional license.

As an integral part of the surgical team, surgical assistants contribute greatly to the safety and quality of the service provided patients everyday.

Why would a "Surgical Assistant" be needed?

The decision to utilize the services of a surgical assistant is solely the surgeon's. Your surgeon, after evaluating the surgical procedure and the level of technical involvement it requires, may deem it medically necessary to use the services of a surgical assistant. 


Why was I not informed?

This is a decision that is usually made by the surgeon, who may or may not feel that such technical detail needs to be discussed with you. It is similar to many other technical issues which he or she may or may not have discussed with you prior to your surgery. However, for your safety and for a good outcome to the procedure, he/she may decide there is a need for certain services or providers to get involved in your care.


Are you participating providers in my PPO/HMO plan?

OMNI SURGICAL participates in many insurance plans, and we continue to seek additional ones. We are continuously negotiating and adding our company to more of the plans that we feel are needed.


Was it medically necessary to use surgical assistant services?

The issue of medical necessity is solely in the hands of the operating surgeon, he or she makes the decision with one objective in mind, and that is the highest quality of service to you and the safest way to perform the surgical procedure in the best possible environment.


Why is surgical assistant services sometimes not covered by insurance?

Insurance companies and insurance plans vary widely, review your plan and try to get an explanation from your insurance carrier or your employer, many insurance plans cover surgical assistant services.


Are you licensed?

Assistants employed by OMNI SURGICAL are certified by one of the national certifying boards.


Will you appeal denied claims on my behalf?

We will appeal denied claims as a courtesy to you and to your surgeon. However, you remain responsible for any balance remaining. We will always work with you and accommodate your financial situation and needs. Sometimes we may even ask for and seek your assistance in following up with your insurance carrier.


Shouldn't the surgeon pay for this service?

The need for our service is sometimes not anticipated. Your particular situation may have warranted the surgeon to request surgical assistant services at the last minute, without having had the opportunity to discuss it with you. After all, your safety, good health, and proper treatment are the surgeon's responsibility. Decisions your surgeon makes prior to and during the course of your surgery, are his responsibility. You have entrusted him or her to make the right decision concerning your care. If it was in your surgeon's best professional judgment, and for the sake of your safety, that a surgical assistant was needed, you should not punish him by expecting him to be financially liable for the professional service that was needed to take proper care of you.