Hackensack, N.J.-based Max Surgical Specialty Management has made waves in the oral surgery space, reaching 25 total practices by the end of 2024.
The oral surgery-focused MSO, founded in 2023, has had success by concentrating its efforts on the Northeast region for its network base and expansion.
On top of the practice milestone, the company expanded its surgeon network by nearly 60% last year, employing an all-in approach to partnerships.
Jason Auerbach, DDS, co-CEO of Max Surgical Specialty Management, recently connected with Becker's on the company's recent growth and what sets it apart from others in the industry.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: Why was Connecticut targeted as the next state for Max's expansion?
Dr. Jason Auerbach: Simple…because there's power in proximity. By keeping our network of surgical practices close to home, we stay grounded in what really matters – the communities we serve. We have always been focused on the Northeast, while other platforms with Northeastern presence effectively outsource their support services halfway across the country. That's not our style, and we don't just say that, we live it. Staying local means we understand the grind of the work, the unique challenges and the real opportunities local practices face every day, because we're right here with them, essentially right down the street if any member of our team ever needs us. That local presence means faster support, stronger collaboration, and a connection that runs deep. That's how we do things at Max.
Q: Are there any other states that are currently being considered for the next expansion?
JA: We're currently supporting and serving practices in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and we are actively engaged with practices and surgeons that complement and expand our existing footprint with an understanding that leveraging our bespoke regional operations model consistently and predictably optimizes the surgeon and patient experience.
In truth, 25 is just the beginning for Max. Celebrating wins along the way is always good, but we are careful to not get complacent and lose focus on our mission.
Q: What does hitting the 25-practice milestone in such a short amount of time mean to you?
JA: The fact that our approach to platform supported healthcare is resonating with so many surgeons and their teams is personally gratifying and humbling, but I will say, I'm not surprised. We will continue to tell our story with the ultimate goal of giving surgeons a differentiated alternative as they consider how to move forward in this rapidly evolving environment around delivery of patient care. We are at 25 now, but there is so much more to come.
Q: What are some qualities/characteristics that you look for in a potential partner surgeon or practice?
JA: Real partnerships. When it comes to partnerships, Max is all-in, and that's what we look for as well. Our partners are still at the top of their game and care deeply about patient care and improving their practice. This part is critical, because we understand that if surgeons are not completely fulfilled by what they're doing as a day-to-day, after they transact, then none of this matters. We remove the back-office headaches, but that's not where the magic happens at Max. It's not just about our next-level recruitment, HR, operations, marketing, finance or cutting-edge technology. Where we provide meaningful value to surgeons is in our unwavering partnership and support, plain and simple. Our surgeons know they matter more here. We make sure of it.