VR
Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Rao, Neurosurgeon in Mission Viejo, CA?
Dr. Vikas Rao, MD is a Neurosurgeon, who primarily practices in Mission Viejo, CA. Dr. Rao is fluent in English, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Rao’s practice accepts Kaiser Permanente, Medicare and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Rao’s office at (949) 388-7190.
What languages does Dr. Rao speak?
Dr. Rao and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
What conditions does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Rao typically treat?
As a Neurosurgeon, Dr. Rao diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Rao. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Brain Aneurysm
- Cerebral Aneurysm
- Brain Artery Bulge
- Intracranial Aneurysm
ICD-10 Codes:
- I671: Cerebral aneurysm, nonruptured
Also known as:
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
- Hydrocephalus
- NPH
- Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
ICD-10 Codes:
- G912: (Idiopathic) normal pressure hydrocephalus
Also known as:
- Benign Meningioma
- Benign Tumor
- Non-cancerous brain or spinal lining tumor
- Meningeal tumor
- Brain membrane tumor
ICD-10 Codes:
- D329: Benign neoplasm of meninges, unspecified
Also known as:
- Other Post-Surgery Condition
- Postoperative State
- Recovery After Surgery
- Surgical Follow-up
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z98890: Other specified postprocedural states
Also known as:
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage Device
- CSF Shunt
- Ventricular Shunt
- Hydrocephalus Device
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z982: Presence of cerebrospinal fluid drainage device
What procedures does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Rao typically perform?
As a Neurosurgeon, Dr. Rao performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Rao. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Brain and Neck Artery X-ray (Angiography)
- Vertebral Artery Angiography
- Catheter and X-ray of External Carotid Artery
- Carotid artery angiography
- Cerebral angiography
- Intracranial carotid angiography
- Neck and brain blood vessel imaging
- Cervicocerebral arch angiography
- Vertebral artery imaging
- Brain blood vessel scan
- External carotid angiography
- Neck artery imaging with catheter
- Selective carotid catheterization
CPT Codes:
- 36224: Selective catheter placement, internal carotid artery, unilateral, with angiography of the ipsilateral intracranial carotid circulation and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, includes angiography of the extracranial carotid and cervicocerebral arch, when performed
- 36226: Selective catheter placement, vertebral artery, unilateral, with angiography of the ipsilateral vertebral circulation and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, includes angiography of the cervicocerebral arch, when performed
- 36227: Selective catheter placement, external carotid artery, unilateral, with angiography of the ipsilateral external carotid circulation and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
- Artery Needle or Catheter Insertion
- Arterial Line Placement
- Arterial Puncture
- Artery Catheterization
- Peripheral Arterial Access
CPT Codes:
- 36140: Introduction of needle or intracatheter, upper or lower extremity artery
Also known as:
- Carotid Artery Angiography
- Cerebral Angiography
- Neck Artery X-ray
- Carotid Artery Imaging
- Brain Blood Vessel Study
CPT Codes:
- 36223: Selective catheter placement, common carotid or innominate artery, unilateral, any approach, with angiography of the ipsilateral intracranial carotid circulation and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, includes angiography of the extracranial carotid and cervicocerebral arch, when performed
Also known as:
- Computer-Assisted Brain Surgery (Stereotactic)
- Stereotactic Neurosurgery
- Image-Guided Brain Surgery
- Cranial Navigational Procedure
CPT Codes:
- 61781: Stereotactic computer-assisted (navigational) procedure; cranial, intradural (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
- Skull Bone Repair
- Cranioplasty
- Skull Defect Repair
- Head Bone Reconstruction
CPT Codes:
- 62140: Cranioplasty for skull defect; up to 5 cm diameter
Does Dr. Rao accept my insurance?
Dr. Rao accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (949) 388-7190 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Rao accept in Mission Viejo, CA?
Dr. Rao in Mission Viejo, CA accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
All Other Third Party
Blue Shield of California
Centene Corporation
Heritage Health
Medicare
Monarch HealthCare
Other Health Care Provider
State of California
UnitedHealth Group
Unknown
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Rao's office located?
Dr. Vikas Rao's Primary Practice
26732 Crown Valley Pkwy Ste 541
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 388-7190
What is Dr. Rao's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Rao's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1932349651.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Rao?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Rao
What is Dr. Vikas Rao's specialty?
Dr. Rao is a Neurosurgeon near Mission Viejo, CA.
What does a Neurosurgeon do?
A neurological surgeon is responsible to provide the operative and non-operative management which includes prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care, & rehabilitation of various disorders related to the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. This includes their supporting structures and vascular supply, the complete evaluation and treatment of pathological process which is known to modify function or activity of the nervous system, the operative & non-operative management of pain. A neurological surgeon has specialization in treating patients with disorders of the nervous system which includes conditions affecting the brain, meninges, skull, and their blood supply, such as the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries. They also manage disorders related to the pituitary gland, spinal cord, meninges, and vertebral column, including those that may require spinal fusion or instrumentation. In addition to this, they treat conditions affecting the cranial and spinal nerves throughout their course in the body.
Is this Dr. Vikas Rao affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Rao is affiliated with Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, Hoag Hospital Newport Beach which are a Castle Connolly Top Hospitals. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
When to see a Neurosurgeon?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments
Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see a Neurosurgeon. Explore insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Vikas Rao accepting new patients in Mission Viejo, CA?
Yes, Dr. Vikas Rao is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Vikas Rao offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Rao's office at (949) 388-7190 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Vikas Rao?
Please contact Dr. Rao's office at (949) 388-7190 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Other Neurosurgeon Near Mission Viejo, CA

Neurosurgeon
Dr. Chiedozie Nwagwu, MD is a Neurosurgeon, who primarily practices in Mission Viejo, CA.
Mission Viejo, CA
AT
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Alexander Taghva, MD is a Neurosurgeon, who primarily practices in Mission Viejo, CA. He has been practicing for over 14 years.
Mission Viejo, CA
AT
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Asterios Tsimpas, MD is a Neurosurgeon, who primarily practices in Mission Viejo, CA.
Mission Viejo, CA