Doctor lets patients ‘pay’ for surgery with charity work: US
Surgeon Dr Demetrio Aguila says it improves patient outcomes
A US surgeon is allowing patients to pay for their surgery through volunteer work — a unique arrangement he believes leads to better surgical outcomes.
Dr Demetrio Aguila, who specialises in the surgical management of pain, gives patients the opportunity to pay for their surgery through the M25 program that involves volunteer work with one of two partner charities.
The scheme is offered to all Dr Aguila’s patients at the Healing Hands of Nebraska clinic regardless of their income or insurance coverage.
The charities ask him how many hours of service the patient need to give to cover payment for his services, which he donates for free.
