Welcome back to Everyday Oral Surgery as we bring you an episode inspired by the July/August ’23 edition of AAOMS Today.  As ever, we are thrilled to be joined by the wonderful Medical Director of Blue Cross, North Carolina, Dr. Ben Hechler. Ben relays his initial thoughts on itinerant surgery before diving into its definition (and the importance of understanding it), and why defining itinerant surgery is an extremely technical process. We also examine the problems related to itinerant surgery and proximity, why AAOMS has taken a hard stance on certain regulations, the difficulties of being a surgeon operating in multiple offices, and what a surgeon’s responsibilities are in post-care follow-ups and communication. To end, we explore what you should be wary of regarding moonlighting in residency and why itinerant surgery has become a common trend that will likely continue.  

Key Points From This Episode:

• A warm welcome back to one of our favorite liaisons, Dr Ben Hechler. 
• Where we got our inspiration for today’s topic: AAOMS Today.
• Ben’s first thoughts on OMS itinerant surgery and why it matters to understand its definition. 
• Exploring the technicalities behind defining itinerant surgery. 
• Why general proximity to accredited itinerant surgeons (in accredited facilities) is a concern. 
• Explaining the reasoning behind some of the strict, AAOMS-implemented regulations.
• Complications that may arise as a surgeon who operates in multiple offices.  
• Discussing post-care and a surgeon’s responsibility in follow-ups and communication. 
• Moonlighting in residency: what to be wary of. 
• Why itinerant surgery is becoming more common and why this trend will likely continue.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Ben Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/ 

Blue Cross North Carolina — https://www.bluecrossnc.com/ 

AAOMS Today— https://www.aaoms.org/site/member-login 

KLS Martin — https://www.klsmartin.com/en/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059