January is the best month to have surgery. Why? Things dramatically change in January. The end-of-year rush in healthcare is over. People are getting back into a routine after the holidays. Things go back to business as usual. January is when we look to reset and get back on track with our health and well-being. Not only that, but January also presents a unique opportunity to schedule medical procedures and surgeries. Let’s look at the four reasons why January is the best month to have surgery.
1. Get a Jumpstart on Your Deductible
When you schedule your surgery in January, you can get a jumpstart on your deductible for the year. Restarting deductibles may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. January also offers a chance to leverage Health Savings Accounts (HSA). These accounts allow you to budget for your healthcare expenses, including deductibles (How HSA-eligible plans work | HealthCare.gov). You can always pay off some of your deductible with your HSA. In addition, when you meet your deductible early, you can have year-long coverage should you need additional surgeries or medical treatment.
2. Plan for the Unexpected
Getting a jumpstart on your deductible earlier in the year also helps you plan for the unexpected. With your deductible met early in the year, you can be more prepared for any unforeseen medical events that come your way. There will be less financial stress when unexpected treatments or surgeries get scheduled. You will have peace of mind of not meeting your deductible again.
3. Scheduling Advantages
With the end-of-the-year rush in healthcare over, surgery schedules in January are less busy. As a general surgeon, I know my office, like many others, has more openings in January. It is much easier to get on the operating schedule. You can choose your surgery date, time, and preferred provider. If you’ve been thinking about a medical procedure or addressing a health concern, January is the best month to have surgery. Now is the time to schedule that surgery.
4. Optimal Time to Recover
January is an excellent time to think about your healthcare needs. Scheduling your surgery in the winter months has additional benefits. After surgery, you’ll most likely have some restrictions, which will be easier to navigate during winter when we hunker down inside. Many of us also have fewer social events on our calendars in January post-holidays. The restrictions won’t feel as confining, and you won’t feel like you’re missing out on your life.
Start Your Year Off Right
The start of the new year offers a unique time in healthcare where you, as the patient, can take charge of your health and well-being. If you need to get something done or there is something you wish to look at getting done, January is a great time to get it scheduled. I know how important it is to care for your health beyond your annual exam. Be sure to schedule those procedures before the end of the year or even mid-year. I hope the insight I’ve provided you on why January is the best month to have surgery gives you care beyond the visit so you can start your year off right.