Does my insurance cover a hernia consultation and hernia repair?

All insurances cover hernia evaluations and, if needed, hernia surgery. Hernia treatment is never considered ‘cosmetic’ or ‘elective’. We have never had an insurance carrier deny a consultation or a hernia surgery with our center.

What can I expect during my hernia consultation with Dr. Harris?

The consultation involves a thorough review of your symptoms, duration, and activity level, followed by a physical examination to determine the size and type of the hernia. Dr. Harris will then discuss personalized surgical options, including no-mesh and minimally invasive techniques. A simple groin and abdominal exam is required to evaluate the extent of the hernia. You will discuss your current activity level and what is expected for you at work or athletically after your surgery. Dr. Harris commonly works with athletes and will take a thorough sports history as well.

When is the right time to schedule a consultation for a hernia?

Unfortunately hernias do not go away on their own (with the exception of children and some hernias which occur during pregnancy). Studies have shown that over 95% of hernias get larger and/or cause more pain and will need to be repaired. If you notice a bulge, localized pain, or a ‘dragging’ sensation in the groin or abdomen, you should be evaluated. Early diagnosis prevents the hernia from enlarging and reduces the risk of emergency complications like incarceration.

Does a consultation always lead to a recommendation for surgery?

Not necessarily. Dr. Harris practices evidence-based surgery. If a hernia is small and asymptomatic, ‘watchful waiting’ may be discussed. However, surgery is the only definitive fix for a hernia defect. Although there is a chance that any hernia could become an emergency (incarceration or strangulation), the chances of this happening remains small. However, 95% of patients eventually present to a surgeon once the hernia becomes uncomfortable and is interfering with their quality of life.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring a copy of any previous imaging reports (CT/Ultrasound) if already performed, a list of current medications, and your completed medical history forms. These forms can be downloaded from our site to expedite your check-in.

Do I need an ultrasound or CT scan before my appointment?

In most cases, a specialized physical exam by a hernia expert is more accurate than imaging. Unless requested by Dr. Harris, you typically do not need an ultrasound or CT scan prior to your visit, as these tests often miss small or occult hernias. Statistically about 90% of hernias can be diagnosed with a combination of a complete history and physical exam. For those remaining 10% of patients, a surgeon may choose to order an ultrasound or a CAT scan to help establish the diagnosis.

Will I meet directly with Dr. Todd Harris during my visit?

Yes. Unlike large hospital systems where you may see a mid-level provider like a PA or NP, our specialist model ensures you meet directly with Dr. Todd Harris for your diagnosis, surgical planning, and postoperative care.

How long does the initial consultation take?

The clinical portion of the visit typically takes 15-20 minutes. We respect your time and aim to have you seen within 10-15 minutes of completing your intake paperwork. For complex or recurrent cases, more time may be required for surgical planning. One of Dr. Harris’ promises is to do everything we can to minimize your wait time. We know your personal time is valuable and we try to ensure that each patient is seen as close to their appointment time as possible.

To ensure you’re seen as close to your appointment time as possible, we encourage patients to print, complete and either send to us, or bring with you, our required ‘Medical History Forms‘.

Does your center participate in hernia research?

Absolutely. Dr. Harris and California Hernia Specialists is one of the founding members of the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC). The Collaborative collects and aggregates health information, including, but not limited to, long term follow up data and patient reported outcomes, and publishes and provides de-identified and limited data sets of health information related to abdominal core and hernia surgical repairs.

You can learn more on our ‘Research‘ page.

Can I discuss the ‘no-mesh’ Shouldice technique during my consultation?

Absolutely. Dr. Harris is one of the few high-volume specialists in the country performing the Shouldice tissue repair. He will evaluate your anatomy during the exam to determine if you are a candidate for this mesh-free option.

Are virtual or telehealth consultations available for out-of-town patients?

Yes. We offer a streamlined virtual consultation process for national and international patients. This allows Dr. Harris to review your history and imaging remotely, facilitating our ‘Travel-to-Surgery’ program for those traveling to Newport Beach.

Do you treat patients from outside of your area?

Absolutely. We are one of the busiest practices in the country with patients from outside of our immediate area. We can arrange for a telehealth consultation to discuss your situation with Dr. Harris. Once a plan has been chosen, we can make all the necessary arrangements for your surgery. Our staff can make arrangements for your consultation, your surgery, and your follow up within one quick visit. Our center is conveniently located just 1/2 mile from John Wayne Orange County Airport, and we have numerous hotel options immediately adjacent to our facilities.

You can read more on our ‘Travel‘ page.

What are the next steps after my consultation is complete?

Once a surgical plan is agreed upon, our surgical coordinators will verify your insurance benefits or provide a global fee quote. We can often schedule surgery within weeks of your initial consultation. Patients with a cardiac history may require clearance by their Cardiologist prior to surgery.

Do I need a ‘pre-authorization’ from my insurance prior to a hernia consultation?

Almost all patients are able to self refer themselves for an evaluation with Dr. Harris. Only a few managed care organizations require a formal referral from a primary care physician. Since most doctors encourage patients to have their hernia’s repaired, a referral to California Hernia Specialists is usually very easy to obtain. If any patient experiences difficulty in obtaining a required referral, our office is happy to work with individual patients to expedite the process for you.

Where is my consultation performed?

Our entire practice is located in Newport Beach, adjacent to John Wayne Airport. Your consultation and any required follow-up are all within our comprehensive facility. Your surgical procedure location will depend on your specific type of surgery required and your particular insurance.

What separates a consultation with Dr. Harris from other surgeons?

Todd S. Harris, MD is the Medical Director of California Hernia Specialists and a high-volume surgeon specializing in advanced abdominal wall reconstruction. Recognized as a national authority in hernia repair, Dr. Harris serves as the Principal Investigator for the nationwide NOPIOIDS clinical trial (NCT05929937), focusing on the development of narcotic-free surgical pathways. His peer-reviewed research on opioid-prescribing patterns and surgical outcomes is published and indexed in the National Library of Medicine (PMID: 39724506).

You can read more on our ‘Compare Our Center‘ page.