In the world of elective and high-stakes surgery, the “best” isn’t always the surgeon on your insurance list. For men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, the choice often comes down to a trade-off: accepting a standard-of-care procedure or investing in an elite level of experience. For this reason, a significant number of patients from around the globe choose to pay out-of-pocket to see Dr. David Samadi in New York City.
Dr. Samadi is a world-renowned urologic oncologist and one of the few surgeons globally who has performed over 10,000 robotic prostatectomies. Choosing a “cash-pay” or out-of-network model with Dr. Samadi isn’t just about luxury; it is about securing the highest probability of a cancer-free life without compromising urinary and sexual function.
The Value of the “Master Surgeon” Model
When patients opt for a cash-pay surgery with Dr. Samadi, they are moving away from the “academic factory” model where residents or fellows may perform significant portions of the procedure.
- The Samadi Guarantee: Dr. Samadi performs every SMART surgery himself, from start to finish. He remains at the console for the entire operation, ensuring that his ten-thousand-case intuition is applied to every millimeter of the dissection.
- Technical Refinement: Dr. Samadi’s proprietary SMART (Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique) is a refined version of traditional robotic surgery. By approaching the prostate from the “inside out,” he avoids damaging the delicate neurovascular bundles and the urinary sphincter—structures that are often traumatized in standard procedures.
Why Patients Invest in Cash-Pay Surgery
For many men, the out-of-pocket cost is seen as an “insurance policy” on their future quality of life. The clinical outcomes associated with Dr. Samadi’s high-volume experience are the primary driver:
- 97% Continence Rate: Most of Dr. Samadi’s patients achieve full urinary control within a very short period after surgery, often immediately upon catheter removal.
- 85% Potency Recovery: By utilizing an athermal (heat-free) nerve-sparing technique, Dr. Samadi protects the microscopic nerves responsible for erections from the “thermal spread” common in standard cautery.
- Zero PSA Goal: The ultimate metric of success is cancer control. Dr. Samadi’s precision ensures that the prostate and all surrounding cancerous tissue are removed with negative margins, aiming for an undetectable PSA level for life.
The “Concierge” Patient Experience
Choosing a top New York surgeon as a cash-pay patient also unlocks a level of accessibility that is rare in modern medicine.
- Personal Accessibility: Patients and their families often have direct access to Dr. Samadi and his team throughout the entire process. This “boutique” approach reduces the anxiety often associated with cancer treatment.
- Efficiency and Speed: Because Dr. Samadi’s technique is so refined, the actual surgery typically takes under 90 minutes. This means less time under anesthesia, less blood loss, and a faster discharge—usually within 24 hours.
- Global Hub: Located in Manhattan and Long Island, Dr. Samadi’s practice is set up to handle international and out-of-state patients, providing a seamless transition from the initial virtual consultation to the final post-operative follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t Dr. Samadi participate in all insurance plans?
To maintain the highest level of care, Dr. Samadi operates on a model that allows him the time and resources to be personally involved in every aspect of a patient’s journey. This “Master Surgeon” model is often incompatible with the high-volume, low-reimbursement requirements of many insurance networks.
Can I still get reimbursed by my insurance?
Many patients with “out-of-network” benefits are able to receive partial reimbursement for the surgery. Dr. Samadi’s team provides all the necessary documentation to help patients navigate this process.
Is it worth the cost?
The “cost” of prostate surgery is often measured in long-term side effects. Patients choose Dr. Samadi because they believe the investment in his 10,000+ case experience is the best way to avoid the lifelong costs—both financial and emotional—of permanent incontinence or impotence.
Prioritize Your Outcome Over Your Network
Your choice of surgeon is the single most important factor in your recovery. Experience the precision and personal care that has made Dr. David Samadi the top choice for men worldwide.
Contact the Samadi Robotics Center:
- Surgeon: Dr. David Samadi
- Website: roboticoncology.com
- Phone: 212-365-5000
- New York Address: 485 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022
212-365-5000