How to Guarantee a Better Surgical Journey for Union Members

Imagine hearing the words no one ever wants to hear: “You need surgery.”

You get a referral for a knee surgeon, but it’s vague. You’re not sure if the provider is in-network, let alone if they’re any good. You call your health plan, but they refer you to a benefits booklet.

That’s it. You’re on your own.

There’s no way to see how many knee surgeries that provider has performed, their complication rate, whether they’ve faced sanctions or even if they’re truly a knee specialist. For all you know, they could be a hand surgeon who “does a couple of knees on the side.”

For union members, the stakes are far too high to leave to chance. As a trustee, your responsibility goes beyond simply providing coverage. You must ensure your members receive the best possible care when they’re at their most vulnerable moments.

That’s why more unions are choosing specialized surgical programs to strip away the uncertainty and connect members directly with the highest-quality surgical care. These programs protect the fund’s dollars, while safeguarding the health, dignity and trust of every member.

The Surgical Maze: A Member’s Experience

In a typical, unguided surgical journey, union members make choices in the dark. They might pick a surgeon based on location or a friend’s recommendation, not based on quality, cost or outcomes. From there, the burden only grows. They call offices, wait on hold and then wait weeks for an appointment.

Members are left wondering: Is this the right doctor? Can I afford this? What happens if something goes wrong? Who’s going to help me through this?

It’s like constructing a building without knowing whether the foundation is stable. If you start blindfolded, the entire structure will sink. Now, imagine the foundation isn’t concrete. It’s your body, your health and your livelihood. Every decision, whether to replace a knee, try an injection or pursue physical therapy, comes with high stakes.

Without guidance, members carry the mental, emotional and financial burden alone. And for unions, that means watching members navigate one of life’s most critical journeys without the safety net they deserve.

A New Standard of Surgical Care for Union Members

More unions are turning to dedicated surgical programs built around a Center of Excellence (COE) model. These programs offer a clear, guided path that removes guesswork and gives members confidence at every step.

Working with an independent provider, rather than going through your health plan, brings even greater value. Independent programs have the flexibility to choose the very best surgeons, regardless of network restrictions, while also negotiating cost savings that directly protect the fund. It’s a smarter way to manage high-cost, high-stakes care.

So, what does this new surgical journey actually look like? It unfolds in three clear phases.

Phase 1: Finding the Expert

Instead of relying on proximity or word-of-mouth, specialized programs use data-driven insights to identify surgeons with proven success in specific procedures.

Every provider goes through a rigorous vetting process to confirm board certification and fellowship training, with only the top 25% selected. This shifts the question from “Who can I see?” to “Who’s the best person for me to see?”

Surgeon quality matters more than you might think, considering 7% to 15% of patients undergoing major surgery experience complications.

Phase 2: Navigating the Surgical Journey with a Guide

At the heart of this approach is the Care Advocate, who serves as a trusted, single point of contact for the member. The Advocate provides white-glove service to make the process seamless and stress-free, from scheduling appointments and arranging travel to translating medical jargon and offering emotional support.

Care Advocates can also step in to ensure surgery is truly necessary, or coordinate a second-opinion review. The goal is to find the best outcome in the least invasive way possible.

Phase 3: Improving the Outcomes for Union Members

This guided journey results in more than a completed surgery. Members experience a smoother recovery, less pain and a faster return to work.

Perhaps most importantly, they gain peace of mind knowing they have access to the highest-quality care available. For members, that’s life-changing. For unions, it’s a tangible demonstration of delivering on the promise of meaningful benefits.

A Win for Both Union Members and Funds

The best part of a dedicated surgical program is that everyone wins.

For members, it provides a powerful layer of support during one of life’s most serious health events. Instead of navigating the process alone, they know they’re getting the right care from one of the top physicians in the area. It’s a benefit they can see, feel and rely on. In many cases, it comes at no cost to them.

The value for the fund is just as clear. High-quality surgical care reduces complications and avoids repeat procedures. That means lower long-term costs, stronger financial sustainability and in many cases, savings that add up to millions each year.

Closing the Surgical Gap Delivers Stronger Benefits

Many unions have already invested in competitive benefits and even direct contracts for services like primary care. But surgery is the gap that often goes unaddressed. Specialized surgical programs close that gap, fitting seamlessly into your existing ecosystem while directly impacting the fund.

The savings from better surgical outcomes aren’t just numbers on a balance sheet. They can be reinvested into pensions, stronger benefits and greater protections for every member.

With the right surgical program, you can transform the surgical experience from one of uncertainty to one of certainty, safety and success.

Lindsay Leeder, MSN, ARNP, is a seasoned healthcare executive with a strong clinical foundation as a family nurse practitioner. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Labor, Union & Trust at Lantern, a specialty care platform dedicated to connecting individuals with high-quality care when they need it most. Lindsay leads Lantern’s partnerships with labor unions and multi-employer funds, working to ensure members receive exceptional care while helping organizations manage rising healthcare costs.