The cast featured a guest appearances by Antony Alda, Alan Alda's brother. According to Alan Alda and Robert Alda, his father, "Lend a Hand" was his way of reconciling with his dad. He was always giving suggestions to Robert for their vaudeville act and in "Lend a Hand" Robert's character was always giving Hawkeye suggestions. It was Robert's idea for the doctors to cooperate as "Dr. Right" and "Dr. Left" at the end of that episode, signifying both reconciliation of their characters and in real life as well.
When BJ reveals plans for Hawkeye's "surprise" party, Hawkeye says it wasn't even close to his real birthday. Later, the timing of the story is mentioned to be January. In real life Alan Alda's birthday is in January (the 28th).