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Dr. Vaughn Starnes, MD

Dr. Vaughn Starnes, MD

Thoracic Surgeon

Los Angeles, CA

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. 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, Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare 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 and 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, and 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 as a 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 a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Starnes typically 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. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.

    Also known as:

    • Leaky Mitral Valve
    • Narrowed Aortic Valve
    • Heart Valve Disease
    • Mitral Valve Insufficiency
    • Mitral Regurgitation
    • Aortic Valve Stenosis
    • Tight Aortic Valve

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • I340: Nonrheumatic mitral (valve) insufficiency
    • I350: Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) stenosis

    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:

    • Leaky Aortic Valve at Birth
    • Congenital Heart Defects
    • Heart Valve Disease
    • Congenital Aortic Regurgitation
    • Aortic Valve Insufficiency
    • Aortic Valve Leak

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • Q231: Congenital insufficiency of aortic valve

    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

    What procedures does a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Starnes typically perform?

    As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Starnes 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. 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. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.

    Also known as:

    • Repeat Heart Bypass or Valve Surgery
    • Coronary Artery Bypass Reoperation
    • Heart Valve Reoperation
    • Second Heart Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 33530: Reoperation, coronary artery bypass procedure or valve procedure, more than 1 month after original operation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

    Also known as:

    • Mitral Valve Replacement with Heart-Lung Machine
    • Open Mitral Valve Replacement
    • Mitral Valve Surgery with Bypass
    • Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement

    CPT Codes:

    • 33430: Replacement, mitral valve, with cardiopulmonary bypass

    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

    • Blue Shield of California

    • Centene Corporation

    • Cigna Group

    • GEMCare

    • Kaiser Permanente

    • Managed Care of America

    • OptumRx Administered Payer

    • Other Health Care Provider

    • State of California

    • UnitedHealth Group

    View All Insurances

    Where is Dr. Starnes' office located?

    Dr. Vaughn Starnes' Primary Practice

    1520 San Pablo St Ste 4300

    Los Angeles, CA 90033

    (323) 442-5849

    Get Directions

    What hospitals are Dr. Starnes affiliated with?

    CastleConnolyTopDoctors

    Castle Connolly Top Hospital

    This doctor is affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital.

    Dr. Starnes has admitting privileges at the following hospitals:

    Keck Hospital of USC,Los Angeles, CA
    Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,Los Angeles, CA

    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?A 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.

    What does a Thoracic Surgeon do?

    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.

    Is 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

    When to see a Thoracic Surgeon?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments

    Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see a Thoracic Surgeon. 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 Dr. 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' office at (323) 442-5849 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.

    How can I make an appointment with Dr. Vaughn Starnes?

    Please contact Dr. Starnes' office at (323) 442-5849 to schedule an appointment.

    Where is Dr. Starnes' office located?

    Dr. Starnes' office is located in Los Angeles, CA.

    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.