42 Years of Experience
Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Starnes, Thoracic Surgeon in Los Angeles, CA?
Dr. Vaughn Starnes, MD is a Thoracic Surgeon, who primarily practices in Los Angeles, CA. He has been practicing for over 42 years and is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and American Board of Surgery. Dr. Starnes graduated from Physician Assistant Studies, Barry University, FL and completed his residency at Stanford Univ Hosp, Cardiovascular Surgery; Vanderbilt Univ Med Ctr, General Surgery. He is a member of the WESTERN - Past President, AATS, STS, ASA, and ISHLT. Dr. Starnes is fluent in English and Spanish, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Starnes’s practice accepts Kaiser Permanente, Medicaid, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Starnes’s office at (323) 442-5849.
What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Starnes?
Dr. Vaughn Starnes, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Thoracic Surgeon known for expertly diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of related conditions or procedures. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices, Dr. Starnes empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Aortic Valve Replacement-Ross Procedure, Congenital Heart Disease, Heart Valve Surgery, Transplant-Heart & Lung, Transplant-Heart-Pediatric, or comprehensive wellness support. Serving the Los Angeles/CA community, Dr. Starnes is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
Where did Dr. Starnes go to medical school and complete their residency?
Fellowship: Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, London | Vanderbilt University, Resident Fellow Pharmacology & Surgery, Surgery, 2000
Residency: Stanford Univ Hosp, Cardiovascular Surgery; Vanderbilt Univ Med Ctr, General Surgery | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Stanford Hospital & Clinics | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Stanford University Medical Center | Stanford University Medical Center | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Stanford University Program
Medical School: University Of Nc At Chapel Hill Sch Of Med- Chapel Hill Nc | Physician Assistant Studies, Barry University, FL
Is Dr. Starnes board certified in Thoracic Surgeon?
Yes, Dr. Vaughn Starnes, MD is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery , American Board of Surgery
What languages does Dr. Starnes speak?
Dr. Starnes and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
Spanish
What conditions does Dr. Starnes treat?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Starnes 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. Starnes. 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.
Also known as:
- Leaky Mitral Valve
- Narrowed Aortic Valve
- Aortic Valve Insufficiency
- Aortic Valve Stenosis and Insufficiency
- Heart Valve Disease
- Mitral Valve Insufficiency
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Aortic Valve Stenosis
- Tight Aortic Valve
- Leaky aortic valve
- Aortic regurgitation
- Narrow and leaky aortic valve
- Mixed aortic valve disease
ICD-10 Codes:
- I340: Nonrheumatic mitral (valve) insufficiency
- I350: Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) stenosis
- I351: Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) insufficiency
- I352: Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) stenosis with insufficiency
Also known as:
- Leaky Aortic Valve at Birth
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
- Ventricular Septal Defect
- Abnormal Coronary Arteries
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Heart Valve Disease
- Critical congenital heart disease
- Congenital Aortic Regurgitation
- Aortic Valve Insufficiency
- Aortic Valve Leak
- HLHS
- Underdeveloped Left Heart
- Complex Congenital Heart Disease
- VSD
- Hole in the Heart (Ventricles)
- Congenital Heart Anomaly
- Coronary Artery Malformation
- Congenital Coronary Artery Anomaly
- Birth Defect of Heart Arteries
ICD-10 Codes:
- Q231: Congenital insufficiency of aortic valve
- Q234: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Q210: Ventricular septal defect
- Q245: Malformation of coronary vessels
Also known as:
- Circulatory System Surgery Aftercare
- After Surgery
- Post-cardiac surgery care
- Vascular surgery aftercare
- Heart surgery recovery
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z48812: Encounter for surgical aftercare following surgery on the circulatory system
Also known as:
- Hardening of the Arteries in the Heart without Chest Pain
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Silent Coronary Artery Disease
- Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis
ICD-10 Codes:
- I2510: Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris
Also known as:
- Ascending Aortic Aneurysm
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Bulging Ascending Aorta
- Weakened Ascending Aorta
- Ascending Aorta Dilation
ICD-10 Codes:
- I7121: Aneurysm of the ascending aorta, without rupture
Also known as:
- Other Pre-Procedure Examination
- Various pre-op checks
- Miscellaneous pre-surgery exams
- Other pre-treatment assessments
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z01818: Encounter for other preprocedural examination
Also known as:
- Fetal Abnormality
- Birth Defects
- Health Problems in Pregnancy
- Congenital Anomaly
- Fetal Malformation
- Developmental Abnormality
- Birth Defect
ICD-10 Codes:
- O358XX0: Maternal care for other (suspected) fetal abnormality and damage, not applicable or unspecified
Also known as:
- Thoracic Aortic Widening
- Dilated Thoracic Aorta
- Thoracic Aortic Dilation
- Enlarged Chest Aorta
ICD-10 Codes:
- I77810: Thoracic aortic ectasia
Also known as:
- Follow-up After Treatment (Non-Cancer)
- Post-Treatment Check-up
- Aftercare Visit
- Recovery Monitoring Exam
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z09: Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for conditions other than malignant neoplasm
Also known as:
- Exposure to COVID-19
- COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)
- COVID-19 contact
- Suspected coronavirus exposure
- SARS-CoV-2 exposure
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z20822: Contact with and (suspected) exposure to COVID-19
Which procedures does Dr. Starnes perform as a Thoracic Surgeon?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, procedures performed by a Dr. Vaughn Starnes may include:
- Aortic Stent Grafts
- Arteriovenous Graft Placement
- Atherectomy
- Carotid Surgery
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
- Endovenous Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins
- Limb Salvage Surgery
- Mediastinal Adenopathy Surgery
For detailed information, please contact Dr. Starnes' office.
Does Dr. Starnes accept my insurance?
Dr. Starnes accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (323) 442-5849 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Starnes accept in Los Angeles, CA?
Dr. Starnes in Los Angeles, 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
CalOptima
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
Elevance Health Inc. (formerly Anthem)
Express Scripts
Kaiser Permanente
Kern Health Systems
OptumRx
Quest
UnitedHealthcare
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Starnes' office located?
Dr. Vaughn Starnes' Primary Practice
1516 San Pablo St Ste L3100
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 442-5849
Recognitions
Memberships & Associations
WESTERN - Past President
President
AATS
Member
STS
Member
ASA
Member
ISHLT
Member
Awards
Southern California Super Doctors
Southern California Super Doctors 2008
Los Angeles Super Doctors
Dr. Starnes was voted a Top Doctor by Pasadena Magazine in .
USC Presidential Medallion
America's Top Doctors - New York: Castle Connolly Medical Ltd
list of America's Top Doctors, compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Lt
What is Dr. Starnes's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Starnes's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1346269024.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Starnes?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Starnes
What is Dr. Vaughn Starnes's specialty?
Dr. Starnes is a Thoracic Surgeon near Los Angeles, CA. A thoracic surgeon is a healthcare expert with specialization in the surgical, perioperative, and critical care of patients with conditions affecting the chest. Their expertise encompasses the surgical treatment of coronary artery disease, lung, esophageal, and chest wall cancers, tracheal abnormalities, and issues with the great vessels and heart valves. They also address congenital anomalies, mediastinal tumors, and diaphragm diseases. Additionally, thoracic surgeons manage airway issues and chest injuries as part of their medical specialty. Contact Dr. Starnes to book an appointment today.
Is this Dr. Vaughn Starnes affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Starnes is affiliated with Huntington Hospital (Pasadena, CA) which is a Castle Connolly Top Hospital. 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
Where can I learn more about Thoracic Surgeon?
Explore Thoracic Surgeon with 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 Vaughn Starnes accepting new patients in Los Angeles, CA?
Yes, Dr. Vaughn Starnes is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Vaughn Starnes offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Starnes's office at (323) 442-5849 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Vaughn Starnes?
Please contact Dr. Starnes's office at (323) 442-5849 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Which board certifications does Dr. Vaughn Starnes have?
Dr. Vaughn Starnes is certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and American Board of Surgery.
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