Jen Fitz

My last case of 2025 and my first case of 2026 tell you everything you need to know about our healthcare system. Last week, I was scheduled to do a DIEP flap for a patient who had been waiting a long time. We had asked her insurance company if we could do the surgery in network at @Redbudsurgerycenter, where we have everything needed to safely and efficiently take care of her. They hadn’t approved that, so the surgery had to be scheduled at an older hospital in town. When we arrived, the hospital was having HVAC issues. The humidity levels were not safe for surgery. We waited for hours, and ultimately the case had to be canceled. It wasn’t just her surgery. Multiple surgeries were canceled that day because operating under those conditions would have been a fire risk. We weren’t able to reschedule her surgery before the end of the year, which means her deductible resets. I could have safely done her surgery at Redbud that day but insurance rules wouldn’t allow it. This is what closed networks and rigid systems look like in real life. Now here’s the contrast. The first case I’m doing in 2026 is also a woman who needs breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps. This time, instead of traditional insurance, her employer uses a third party administrator. They came to me directly and asked what I would charge if they paid fairly and transparently. On Monday, we’re doing her bilateral DIEP flap at @Redbudsurgerycenter. I can control the environment, the costs, and the care. It’s better for the patient and significantly less expensive for the employer. This is called Direct Specialty Care. It’s not direct primary care. It’s specialty care delivered without unnecessary barriers. It’s happening. We’re starting the year this way. And I’m going to keep pushing the boundaries and keeping you informed.