Current Responsibilities

In addition to the private practice of Surgery, the surgeons of Surgical Associates are members of the Level II Trauma Team at Norwalk Hospital, caring for acutely injured patients that present at the Norwalk Hospital Emergency Department. They have also been appointed to the section of Surgical Critical Carel, attending to the most complex and challenging surgical patients at the Norwalk Hospital Intensive Care Department. They hold faculty rank in the nationally recognized Yale School of Medicine/Norwalk Hospital PA Surgical Residency Program. For over fifty years, members of Surgical Associates have volunteered to care for the indigent at the Norwalk Hospital Clinic, the Ameri-cares Surgical Clinic, and participated in multiple international surgical missions.

Scope of Surgical Services

As surgery has become more specialized, the surgeons of Surgical Associates have focused the scope of their care to more fully reflect the complexities of twentieth century surgical demands. One example is our early implementation (1988) of laparoscopic surgical techniques as well as frequent contributions to the laparoscopic surgical literature. Our surgical focus now includes: Abdominal and Pelvic Disease Laparoscopic, Minimally Invasive, Robotic Surgery, as well as Open surgery techniques. Colon tumors and diverticulitis Small bowel and intestine including adhesions, tumor, and internal hernia Gallbladder and gallstones Stomach and Esophagus tumors and ulcer Trauma Surgery Hernia Abdominal wall hernia Inguinal hernia Hiatal hernia Breast Surgery With a focus on minimal resection techniques Endocrine tumors Thyroid, Parathyroid, Pancreas, Adrenal Skin cancers, moles, scar revision, melanoma Certain cosmetic procedures Colonoscopy in conjunction with surgical procedures

Contacting your Surgeon After Hours

Because of the intensity of our after-hours surgical responsibilities at Norwalk Hospital, we would expect that routine calls and inquires would be made during normal office hours. However, if you should have important questions that really shouldn't wait until the morning, we can be reached through our answering service (203) 226-0771 every day of the year / 24 hours every day. Often in the operating room, our return call to you may be delayed. If you feel that the matter is urgent and care is needed immediately, please present to the Emergency Department at Norwalk Hospital without delay.

Pre-Surgical Physical

If surgery is recommended, it is becoming increasingly common for your personal physician to re-examine you in order to prepare you for your surgical experience. Your physician's experience with your unique medical problems allows for a more complete and safe preparation for surgery. We routinely send a summary of your surgical experience to your physician after you are released from surgical care.

Referrals to Other Professionals

True surgical expertise often requires specialization. After careful consultation with your personal physician, we may request the additional skills of a surgical sub-specialist and refer you for a second opinion either locally or, on occasion, with surgeons at a tertiary medical center depending upon your unique needs. Fortunately, with the extensive expertise of surgical specialists at Norwalk Hospital, we rarely need to refer our patients outside of the Norwalk area.

Appointments

Because of the unpredictability and seriousness of the types of surgical care we give, as well as the scope of our surgical responsibilities, once in a while, your appointment may be delayed, or more rarely, cancelled. You are welcome to call ahead of your appointment time, and we'd be glad to let you know if we are "a little behind."

Medical Insurance

With patients throughout the Tri-state area, Surgical Associates attempts to participate in a number of major insurance programs. With the increasing popularity of PPOs (preferred provider programs), many patients are choosing to see one of our surgeons as an "out of program provider" with the patient responsible for a reasonable balance beyond your insurance company's routine coverage. Some surgeries, such as scar revisions and small cosmetic procedures, are not covered by insurances. Feel free to discuss the costs of those procedures with our insurance specialist.

Worker's Compensation Claims

If you believe that your medical problem is related to an injury while employed, please be certain to let the receptionist know upon arrival. Proper documentation of a "Worker's compensation claim" is important in order to properly assist you in receiving appropriate coverage.

Insurance Cards and Referrals from your Personal Physician

Unfortunately, under the current wave of "managed care programs," we have limited influence modifying the terms of your insurance program, so it is important that you strictly follow any agreements you have made with your insurance provider. For example you must be aware of your obligation to obtain referrals for treatment and to present a valid, up-to-date insurance card at the time of visit. Any deviation from those obligations may result in unexpected financial costs to you. Remember that some laboratory testing, CT and X-ray tests, and outside review of pathology specimens may require additional cost that may or may not be covered by your plan. Our insurance specialists will be happy to discuss this further.