Surgical Assistants Explained

Medical billing can be confusing to you, the patient. You are receiving bills from the surgeon, hospital, anesthesia and physical therapy. In addition, if in my judgment an assistant surgeon was required to assist with your procedure you will receive a statement from my surgical assistant, Steve Cocking, PA-C. Many times you will have met this man either prior to or after your surgical procedure. Mr. Cocking (Scottsdale Surgical Assistants) owns his small business and as such will bill you directly but separate from your other providers.

Do not be alarmed at the “charged fee” in all cases. In most cases the assistant’s actual fee is 12-15% of the allowed surgeon’s fee. Mr. Cocking is a preferred provider on some plans and out of network on other plans. I ONLY use this assistant surgeon and will not alter my normal operating procedure to find an unfamiliar assistant to help me with a highly technical procedure. I realize that at times my assistant is out of network, but that can not be helped. Mr. Cocking (602) 460-3367 (cell) is available to explain to you his out of network payment policy. His out of network policy is fair and reasonable. Call him directly.

The services of a skilled assistant are vital to an optimal surgical outcome and I am pleased to be able to say Steve Cocking is the finest assistant surgeon I have been professionally associated with. Please be sure to fairly compensate this man for his fine work.