Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Referral / Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of procedures does Surgery on Sunday provide?

Surgery on Sunday provides a wide variety of medically necessary outpatient procedures. The most common are gallbladder removal, hernia repair, tonsillectomy, mass excision, cataract removal, circumcision, orthopedic (carpal tunnel release, ACL, rotator cuff repair) and colonoscopy. If the procedure you are seeking is not listed, please call our office to find out if we have a volunteer surgeon who can provide it.

Does Surgery on Sunday provide any weight loss surgery?

No, we do not provide any type of weight loss procedure.

Do you have to be a US citizen to qualify for the program?

No. Surgery on Sunday exists to help anyone within our service area who qualifies, regardless of their citizenship, and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

How often do you provide surgeries?

Surgery on Sunday operates the third Sunday of each month. These dates are subject to change based on holiday schedule and surgeon availability.

What if the surgeon decides I do not need surgery?

Many times a patient will be seen by a surgeon and she or he is able to offer a less invasive form of treatment, which is still provided at no cost.

Where must I reside in order to qualify for services?

An individual must live within a 250-mile radius of Lexington, Kentucky. This is in order to ensure a patient receives appropriate post-operative care. Occasionally, the Medical Review Committee will consider requests outside of the regular service area but this is on a very limited basis.

What are the qualifications to be considered for Surgery on Sunday?

● Live within a 250-mile radius of Lexington, Kentucky ● Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35 or lower. Click here to calculate your BMI. ● Income is 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Click here to see chart. ● Uninsured OR ● Have a high deductible plan that is 10% or more of household income ● Not have Medicare or Medicaid insurance

Why does the process take so long?

Please remember all medical providers are volunteers who graciously work our patients into their busy days at no cost. In addition, not all surgeons are available each surgery day due to their regular work schedule.

What are the costs to the patient for surgery?

Patients who are accepted into our program receive all services free of charge, including any additional diagnostic testing that is required. The only requirement is that you write a note of thanks to your surgeon and complete the Surgery on Sunday patient survey, including a testimonial.

The surgery I need requires an overnight stay in the hospital. How can you help?

Unfortunately, Surgery on Sunday would not be able to assist. We provide only outpatient surgeries.

Does Surgery on Sunday provide monetary assistance for copays or deductibles?

No. Surgery on Sunday does not provide financial assistance for individuals.

Does Surgery on Sunday provide excess skin removal?

No. This procedure is deemed cosmetic and we do not offer any cosmetic procedures, only those procedures that are deemed medically necessary. We look to rid the patient of pain and disease.

Does Surgery on Sunday provide dental services?

We provide limited oral surgery, which is usually partial or full extractions, but do not provide any regular dental services. Please note we do not provide dentures following extractions. The University of Kentucky Dental Clinic does provide dentures at a discounted cost. They can be reached at 859.323.5992.

Do you provide breast implant removal?

Yes, if it is determined to be medically necessary. However, we will not provide new implants as that is a cosmetic procedure.

My Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 35. Why do I not qualify for the program?

All surgeries are provided in an outpatient setting and we set a limit of a BMI of 35 to ensure safety during anesthesia. On a limited basis, we will review patient requests for those slightly over 35 if they do not have sleep apnea or blood pressure issues. The decision rests slowly with the anesthesia supervisor.

How long does the process take once I am approved for the program?

Once we have received your referral paperwork and you have been approved, we will send you an agreement to complete for our program. Upon receipt of that information, a pre-operative appointment will be scheduled for you. If the surgeon determines your condition is surgical, you will be placed on the next available surgery date. Currently, the process takes 30-60 days and depends on the waitlist and surgeon availability.

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Free Clinics

Patient Referral Form

Patient Referrals

Types of Surgeries

Free Clinics

Patient Referral Form

Patient Referrals

Types of Surgeries