BP
44 Years of Experience
Accepting patients
Who is Dr. Palafox, Thoracic Surgeon in Orange, CA?
Dr. Brian Palafox, MD is a Thoracic Surgeon, who primarily practices in Orange, CA with 1 additional practice location. He has been practicing for over 44 years and is board certified. Dr. Palafox graduated from University of California and completed his residency at Univ Ca Irvine Med Ctr, Thoracic Surgery; Univ Ca Irvine Med Ctr, General Surgery; Orange County Med Ctr, General Surgery; Orange County Med Ctr, Anatomic And Clinical Pathology. He is a member of the MemorialCare Physician Society. Dr. Palafox is fluent in English and Spanish, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Palafox’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. Palafox’s office at (714) 997-2224.
What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Palafox?
Dr. Brian Palafox, 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. Palafox empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Cardiac Surgery, Heart Valve Surgery, Lung Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and comprehensive wellness support. Serving the Orange, CA community, Dr. Palafox is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
Where did Dr. Palafox go to medical school and complete their residency?
Fellowship: University of California, Irvine
Residency: Univ Ca Irvine Med Ctr, Thoracic Surgery; Univ Ca Irvine Med Ctr, General Surgery; Orange County Med Ctr, General Surgery; Orange County Med Ctr, Anatomic And Clinical Pathology | University of California, Irvine Affiliated Hospitals | UC Irvine Medical Center
Medical School: University Of Ca- Irvine- Ca Coll Of Med- Irvine Ca | University of California | UCI School of Medicine
Is Dr. Palafox board certified as a Thoracic Surgeon?
Yes, Dr. Brian Palafox, MD is board certified by the American Board of Surgery , American Board of Thoracic Surgery
What languages does Dr. Palafox speak?
Dr. Palafox and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
Spanish
What conditions does a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Palafox typically treat?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Palafox 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. Palafox. 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:
- Sunken Chest
- Birth Defects
- Pectus Excavatum
- Funnel Chest
- Concave Chest
ICD-10 Codes:
- Q676: Pectus excavatum
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:
- 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:
- Narrowed Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Disease
- Aortic Valve Stenosis
- Tight Aortic Valve
ICD-10 Codes:
- I350: Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) stenosis
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:
- Single Lung Nodule
- Lung Disease
- Lung Spot
- Pulmonary Nodule
- Spot on Lung Scan
ICD-10 Codes:
- R911: Solitary pulmonary nodule
Also known as:
- Pigeon Chest
- Birth Defects
- Pectus Carinatum
- Keel Chest
- Protruding Breastbone
ICD-10 Codes:
- Q677: Pectus carinatum
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
What procedures does a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Palafox typically perform?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Palafox 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. Palafox. 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:
- Left Atrial Appendage Closure (Open Heart)
- LAA Exclusion Surgery
- Left Atrial Appendage Ligation
- Open Heart LAA Closure
CPT Codes:
- 33268: Exclusion of left atrial appendage, open, performed at the time of other sternotomy or thoracotomy procedure(s), any method (eg, excision, isolation via stapling, oversewing, ligation, plication, clip) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- Heart bypass surgery
- CABG surgery
- Arterial bypass graft
CPT Codes:
- 33533: Coronary artery bypass, using arterial graft(s); single arterial graft
Also known as:
- Endoscopic Vein Harvest for Bypass
- Endoscopy
- Video-Assisted Vein Harvest
- Minimally Invasive Vein Removal
- Endoscopic Saphenous Vein Harvest
- Vein Harvesting for CABG
CPT Codes:
- 33508: Endoscopy, surgical, including video-assisted harvest of vein(s) for coronary artery bypass procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
- Bronchoscopy with Lung Wash (BAL)
- Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
- Fluoroscopy
- Bronchial lavage
- BAL procedure
- Lung washing
- Flexible bronchoscopy
CPT Codes:
- 31624: Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with bronchial alveolar lavage
Also known as:
- Lung or Chest Biopsy
- Biopsy
- Percutaneous lung biopsy
- Mediastinum core needle biopsy
- Image-guided lung biopsy
CPT Codes:
- 32408: Core needle biopsy, lung or mediastinum, percutaneous, including imaging guidance, when performed
Also known as:
- Removal of Deep Surgical Implant
- Hardware Removal Surgery
- Buried Implant Extraction
- Orthopedic Implant Removal
CPT Codes:
- 20680: Removal of implant; deep (eg, buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail, rod or plate)
Also known as:
- Total Thyroid Removal
- Complete thyroidectomy
- Thyroid gland removal
- Thyroid surgery
CPT Codes:
- 60240: Thyroidectomy, total or complete
Does Dr. Palafox accept my insurance?
Dr. Palafox accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (714) 997-2224 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Palafox accept in Orange, CA?
Dr. Palafox in Orange, 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
Centene Corporation
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
Kaiser Permanente
Medicare
Monarch HealthCare
Other Health Care Provider
State of California
UnitedHealth Group
Unknown
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Palafox's office located?
Dr. Brian Palafox's Primary Practice
1310 W Stewart Dr Ste 503
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 997-2224
Recognitions
Memberships & Associations
MemorialCare Physician Society
Member
Awards
Southern California Super Doctors
What is Dr. Palafox's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Palafox's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1568424422.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Palafox?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Palafox
What is Dr. Brian Palafox's specialty?
Dr. Palafox is a Thoracic Surgeon near Orange, 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 this Dr. Brian Palafox affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
No, Palafox is not affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital, but is affiliated with the following hospitals: Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals 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 Brian Palafox accepting new patients in Orange, CA?
Yes, Dr. Brian Palafox is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Brian Palafox offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Palafox's office at (714) 997-2224 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Brian Palafox?
Please contact Dr. Palafox's office at (714) 997-2224 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Which board certifications does Dr. Brian Palafox have?
Dr. Brian Palafox is certified by the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
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