RC
Accepting patients
Online booking
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Chihara, Thoracic Surgeon in Houston, TX?
Dr. Ray Chihara, MD is a Thoracic Surgeon, who primarily practices in Houston, TX with 2 additional practice locations. Dr. Chihara is fluent in English, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Chihara’s practice accepts Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Chihara’s office at (713) 441-5177.
What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Chihara?
Dr. Ray Chihara, 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. Chihara empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Thoracic Cancers, and comprehensive wellness support. Serving the Houston, TX community, Dr. Chihara is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
What languages does Dr. Chihara speak?
Dr. Chihara and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
What conditions does a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Chihara typically treat?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Chihara 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. Chihara. 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:
- Diaphragmatic Hernia
- Hernia
- Hiatal Hernia
- Hernia of the Diaphragm
ICD-10 Codes:
- K449: Diaphragmatic hernia without obstruction or gangrene
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:
- Acid Reflux
- GERD
- Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
- Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Children
- Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Infants
- Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
ICD-10 Codes:
- K219: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
Also known as:
- Other Abnormal Findings on Lung Scan
- Single Lung Nodule
- Lung Disease
- Unusual Lung Scan Results
- Atypical Lung Imaging
- Nonspecific Lung Abnormality
- Lung Spot
- Pulmonary Nodule
- Spot on Lung Scan
ICD-10 Codes:
- R918: Other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field
- R911: Solitary pulmonary nodule
Also known as:
- Pleural Effusion
- Pleural Disorder
- Fluid in lungs
- Water on the lung
- Fluid around lungs
ICD-10 Codes:
- J90: Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified
Also known as:
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Swallowing Disorder
- Dysphagia
- Trouble swallowing
- Painful swallowing
ICD-10 Codes:
- R1310: Dysphagia, unspecified
Also known as:
- Esophageal Cancer
- Esophagus Cancer
- Malignant Neoplasm of Esophagus
- Gullet Cancer
- Esophageal Carcinoma
ICD-10 Codes:
- C155: Malignant neoplasm of lower third of esophagus
- C159: Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified
What procedures does a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Chihara typically perform?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Chihara 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. Chihara. 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:
- Laparoscopic Repair of Paraesophageal Hernia (No Mesh)
- Keyhole Paraesophageal Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair
- Fundoplasty (Laparoscopic)
CPT Codes:
- 43281: Laparoscopy, surgical, repair of paraesophageal hernia, includes fundoplasty, when performed; without implantation of mesh
Also known as:
- Esophageal Balloon Distension Study
- Esophageal distension test
- Balloon provocation test
- Esophageal pain study
CPT Codes:
- 91040: Esophageal balloon distension study, diagnostic, with provocation when performed
Does Dr. Chihara accept my insurance?
Dr. Chihara accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (713) 441-5177 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Chihara accept in Houston, TX?
Dr. Chihara in Houston, TX accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
Aetna
All Other Third Party
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna Group
CMS
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
Elevance Health Inc. (formerly Anthem)
Medicare
Molina Healthcare
UnitedHealth Group
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Chihara's office located?
Would you like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ray Chihara?
Dr. Chihara has appointments available at his Houston, TX office, as well as 2 other locations. Please select a location, date, and time below.
What is Dr. Chihara's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Chihara's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1740438928.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Chihara?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Chihara
What is Dr. Ray Chihara's specialty?
Dr. Chihara is a Thoracic Surgeon near Houston, TX.
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 this Dr. Ray Chihara affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Chihara is affiliated with Houston Methodist Hospital 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 Ray Chihara accepting new patients in Houston, TX?
Yes, Dr. Ray Chihara is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Ray Chihara offer online booking?
Yes, you can use online booking to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chihara, or call (713) 441-5177 for more information.
How can I make an appointment with Ray Chihara?
Please contact Dr. Chihara's office at (713) 441-5177 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
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