No surprises on cost.
How insurance works here
Most patients who come to NorCal Integrity Surgery are surprised to learn that the procedures they need are covered by insurance — sometimes fully. The barrier is usually not cost. It's not knowing that surgery is an option.
Our team verifies your insurance benefits before your consultation, handles prior authorisation when required, and tells you exactly what your out-of-pocket costs will be — before you agree to anything. No surprises on a bill three months later.
Not sure if your plan covers surgery? Call us with your insurance card details and we'll run a benefits check before your first appointment. (408) 688-5871
Insurance plans we accept
We accept most major insurance plans for patients in California, as well as out-of-state patients from Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and beyond. The logos below show our most common insurers. If yours isn't listed, call us, since we work with many additional plans not shown here.
Out-of-state patients. If your insurer is based outside California, such as in Nevada, Arizona, or Oregon, coverage for procedures performed in California may differ from in-state treatment. Our team will check your specific out-of-state benefits when you call. This is something we handle regularly for patients traveling to see Dr. Dunn.
Do these
- Walk from day one, short flat walks, multiple times a day
- Take pain medication on schedule, don't wait until pain peaks
- Keep incisions dry for 48 hours, then shower normally
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than three large ones
- Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily, sipped slowly
Avoid these
- No lifting over 10 pounds until cleared at follow-up
- No driving while on narcotic pain medication
- No baths, pools, or hot tubs until incisions are fully closed (2 to 3 weeks)
- No alcohol while taking pain medication
What insurance typically covers
Insurance coverage for surgical procedures depends on your specific plan, your deductible status, and whether clinical criteria are met. The table below shows what is typically covered when those criteria are satisfied — your actual coverage may vary.
Usually covered
- Anti-Reflux Surgery (Fundoplication / LINX)
- Hiatal Hernia Repair
- Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
- Hernia Repair (Inguinal / Ventral)
- Heller Myotomy / POEM (Achalasia)
- Colon Surgery (Colectomy)
- Esophageal / Gastric Cancer Surgery
- Diagnostic Tests (pH study, manometry, EndoFLIP)
Plan-dependent
- Initial consultation (a specialist co-pay applies, and some plans require a referral)
Coverage shown is general guidance only. Actual coverage depends on your specific plan, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and insurer criteria. We verify your individual benefits before your consultation.
What we do so you don't have to
Insurance administration is one of the biggest sources of stress and confusion for surgical patients. We handle it — so you can focus on your health, not paperwork.
Before your first appointment, our team contacts your insurer to confirm whether your planned procedure is covered, what your deductible status is, and what your estimated out-of-pocket will be. You receive a clear cost summary before you sit down with Dr. Dunn.
Many insurers require prior authorisation (pre-approval) before covering elective surgery. Our team prepares and submits the clinical documentation, follows up with the insurer, and handles appeals if an authorisation is initially denied. Patients don't need to do this themselves.
Before scheduling any procedure, our billing team will walk you through your estimated costs, including what insurance covers, your remaining deductible, any co-insurance, and your expected out-of-pocket total. We want you to know what to expect, with no surprises.
Our billing team handles claims submission and can assist with any insurance disputes or billing questions after your procedure. If you receive a bill that doesn't look right, call us before paying it.
Out-of-pocket costs & financing options
Even when a procedure is covered by insurance, you may have a deductible, co-insurance, or out-of-pocket maximum that applies. We'll walk you through your specific numbers but here's a general guide to understand what you might expect.
Common cost factors
- Deductible: The amount you pay before insurance kicks in. If your deductible is met for the year, your costs are lower
- Co-insurance: Your percentage share after the deductible — typically 10–30% depending on your plan
- Out-of-pocket maximum: Once you've hit this annual cap, insurance covers 100% for the rest of the year.
- Facility fees: Surgery centre or hospital fees, which are separate from surgeon fees and billed separately.
Financing options
- If cost is a concern, Dr. Dunn offers interest-free payment plans and works with patients who cannot pay up front
- Monthly payment plans for out-of-pocket portions not covered by insurance
- HSA and FSA accounts are accepted, and surgery is typically an eligible expense
- Payment plans can be arranged before your procedure date
- Contact our billing team to discuss your specific situation
Timing matters with deductibles. If you've already met your annual deductible earlier in the year, scheduling surgery before December 31 may significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Our team can help you think through the timing based on your plan's reset date.
Travelling from out of state
Many of Dr. Dunn's patients travel to see him from out of state, including Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, often because there is no comparable specialist near them. With some planning, traveling for surgery is very manageable. Here is how it works:
If you're travelling for surgery, our team will coordinate the insurance verification, help you understand what documentation your insurer needs, and assist with planning your recovery stay in the area if needed. Call us first.
Common recovery questions
