How to know when to schedule a surgery?

My husband needs surgery on his hand. We have $1,175 remaining on our deductible and a $6,690 out of pocket max (I don’t understand the difference between those two things).

I’m pregnant and we have a toddler so between my prenatal visits and toddler’s check-ups we’ve had a handful of doctors appointments that we’ve paid copays for, but not a ton of significant medical bills this year.

I’ll be delivering my baby in March of next year.

So should he have the surgery before the end of this calendar year? Or should he wait until next year since we’ll have the hospital bills after the birth that go toward the deductible?

There’s also the question of if he’d be better off in a cast before or after the baby is here, I’m assuming it’s best that he gets this done before the baby arrives so that he can help me, but he’ll also have limited time off with the baby if he uses time off for the surgery.

We have United Healthcare ChoicePlus through his employer if that makes a difference.

submitted by /u/PopRockLollipop
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