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 with our center.

What happens during a hernia consultation?

Dr. Harris will listen to your symptoms including the duration, severity, and location of any pain or bulges. 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.

What do I need to do about my hernia?

Unfortunately hernias do not go away on their own (with the exception of small children and some hernias developed during pregnancy). Over time most hernias get larger and often will need to be repaired. Medical studies have shown that although there is a low chance of an asymptomatic (non-complicated) hernia becoming an emergency, many patients will ultimately request hernia surgery due to worsening pain, and enlargement of the hernia itself.

Can I just watch my hernia without surgery?

Some patients have been living with their hernia for many years without any problems. Although there is a chance that any hernia could become an emergency (incarceration or strangulation), the chances of this happening remains small. However, most patients eventually present to a surgeon once the hernia becomes uncomfortable and is interfering with their quality of life. Since hernias do not go away on their own, and they constantly get larger, doctors recommend that they are repaired before they become large and painful which makes recovery much more difficult.

Do I need to get an ultrasound or other x-ray before my consultation?

Most patients do not need any tests or x-rays to diagnose a hernia. The patients symptoms (pain, pulling, aches, etc) and the examination is usually enough to make an accurate diagnosis of a hernia. Typically ultrasound tests and other x-rays are not able to clearly see a hernia and are not helpful in the diagnosis.

How long does a typical consultation with Dr. Harris take?

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.

Patients are required to complete Federal and California required forms along with a comprehensive medical history at their initial visit. After the required paperwork, patients are usually seen within 10-15 minutes. Most visits take about 15-20 minutes but will vary depending on the complexity of the hernia.

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‘.

Do I have to participate in hernia research?

No. Dr. Harris and California Hernia Specialists is one of over a hundred surgeons in the country which are participating in the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. This study is looking initially at patients with incisional hernias and will expand into other more common hernias in the near future.

Although participation is voluntary, we strongly encourage patients to enroll. No extra steps or tests are required of patients in the scheduling process. Plus, patients are able to contribute to the advancement of hernia surgery. Without individual patients’ participation, no research studies would ever be completed. Patients are the most important aspect of the research team.

You can learn more on our ‘Research‘ page.

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. 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 only 1/4 mile from The Fairmont Hotel, Newport Beach.

We can arrange for a telephone consultation prior to your visit to discuss any questions you have with Dr. Harris. The beautiful Fairmont Hotel is less than 200M from our center and provides discounted rates to California Hernia Specialists patients. Most patients find that 3 days is all that is required for travel to California Hernia Specialists. This includes a consultation with Dr. Harris, surgery at our own surgical center, and a follow up appointment the day after 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, surgery and follow-up are all within our comprehensive facility.

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

Although Dr. Harris performs a variety of surgical procedures, one of his primary specialties is hernia repair. Also, with an accredited surgery center inside of our office, California Hernia Specialists can provide patients with a comprehensive approach to hernia surgery not offered at most offices in Southern California.

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