Surgery on Sunday, a Lexington, Ky.-based nonprofit, is expanding free outpatient surgical care as demand from uninsured patients rises, NBC affiliate WBIR reported Aug. 10.
The organization has completed nearly 6,000 procedures since its founding by Dr. Andrew Moore II, a Lexington plastic surgeon. Executive Director Laura Prewitt said the nonprofit performs the same range of basic outpatient procedures offered by clinics and hospitals, with the exception of joint replacements. Patients are evaluated at the organization’s Harrodsburg Road location before procedures take place at Lexington Surgery Center.
“We perform any basic outpatient surgery that any of the clinics or hospitals do,” Ms. Prewitt said.
Nearly 300 active volunteers, including surgeons who travel from North Carolina and other states, donate their time to the program. Volunteers have logged more than 100,000 hours to date. The average procedure costs the organization about $1,500, compared with $10,000 to $15,000 at typical market rates.
Surgery on Sunday runs entirely on private donations and grants, with no federal or state funding. “We’re fully funded by private donations and by grants. We get no federal or state funding,” Ms. Prewitt said. The nonprofit also provides medical interpreters for patients who don’t speak English.
Founded in 1995, Surgery on Sunday was the first program of its kind in the U.S. and has since expanded to Louisville, Ky., which operates independently. The CDC reported 28 million Americans lacked health insurance last year, a trend organization leaders say continues to drive demand for its services.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
