Compare 136 cardiothoracic surgeons in Cleveland, OH. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
136
Cardiothoracic Surgeons
100%
Accepting patients
74%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Cleveland is, in many ways, a healthcare city first. Cleveland Clinic is one of the most recognized hospital brands in the world, and University Hospitals provides the academic counterweight. Together, they employ more people than any other industry in northeast Ohio and attract patients from around the globe for cardiac surgery, transplant medicine, and cancer care.
Cleveland has 136 cardiothoracic surgeons. The most common credential is MD (74%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Ohio City, Tremont, University Circle, and Lakewood (nearby).
Most major medical facilities cluster along the Euclid Avenue corridor from downtown through University Circle. Cleveland Clinic's main campus sits in the Fairfax neighborhood, while University Hospitals is just up the road in University Circle. MetroHealth serves the west side and safety-net populations. RTA's HealthLine bus rapid transit runs directly between the two hospital systems, making it one of the few cities where you can reach top-tier care by public transit.
Nearby hospitals include Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and MetroHealth Medical Center. Local training programs run through Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Cleveland State University. Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the nation and is a global leader in cardiac care.
Medical Mutual of Ohio is the largest Ohio-based health insurer and has strong networks with both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the other major commercial carrier. Ohio Medicaid is managed through CareSource, Molina, and Buckeye Health Plan. Many Cleveland employers offer plan options specifically designed around Cleveland Clinic or UH networks. 65% accept Medicare.
The consultation includes a review of your cardiac or thoracic imaging, lab work, and previous testing (echocardiograms, cardiac catheterization, CT scans). The surgeon will explain the recommended procedure, expected outcomes, risks, and recovery timeline. For heart surgery, pre-operative testing may include dental clearance, blood typing, and a meeting with the anesthesia team. Recovery from open-heart surgery typically involves several days in the ICU and a total hospital stay of five to seven days.
Both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals use MyChart portals. If you are choosing between the two systems, consider which one your employer's insurance plan favors. Switching between them mid-treatment creates records gaps.
See a cardiothoracic surgeon for coronary artery disease requiring bypass surgery, heart valve disease (aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation), aortic aneurysms involving the thoracic aorta, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, and pleural conditions. Your cardiologist, pulmonologist, or oncologist will typically make the referral when surgery is being considered.
Consultation copay: $30-75 · Bypass surgery (CABG): $70,000-200,000 · Valve replacement: $50,000-170,000 · VATS lobectomy: $30,000-80,000
Cleveland, OH has 136 licensed cardiothoracic surgeons. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of cardiothoracic surgeons in Cleveland, OH are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Medical Mutual of Ohio and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are the dominant carriers. Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals each have preferred relationships with different insurers, so check your plan's network before booking. Ohio Medicaid through CareSource and Molina is accepted at MetroHealth and most Clinic and UH locations.
A consultation copay is $50 to $100. Coronary artery bypass costs $70,000 to $200,000. Heart valve replacement costs $80,000 to $170,000. Lung lobectomy costs $30,000 to $80,000. Actual costs in Cleveland, OH depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Cardiothoracic surgery involves the highest costs in surgery. Hospital stays average five to ten days. Bills include the surgeon, assistant surgeon, anesthesia, perfusionist (heart-lung machine operator), ICU charges, and implants. Confirm all providers are in-network before the procedure.
The Cleveland healthcare market is essentially a two-system town: Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. MetroHealth serves as the public safety-net hospital. Your insurance will likely steer you toward one system, so start there.
65% of cardiothoracic surgeons in Cleveland, OH accept Medicare. Medicare covers medically necessary cardiothoracic procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, and lung cancer surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation after surgery is also covered. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Some cardiothoracic surgeons in Cleveland, OH accept Ohio Medicaid, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers medically necessary cardiothoracic surgery. Prior authorization is required. Coverage includes surgeon, facility, anesthesia, ICU, and post-operative rehabilitation. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Ohio Medicaid participation before scheduling.
For complex cardiac, transplant, and cancer cases, it genuinely is one of the best in the world. For routine primary care, you may find shorter wait times and more convenient locations through University Hospitals or independent practices.
For many specialties, yes. Cleveland Clinic allows self-referral for new patients, though your insurance may still require a referral from your primary care doctor for coverage purposes. Call their appointment line to verify.
Top accepted carriers in Cleveland, OH include unitedhealthcare, medicare, qhp-17091, qhp-54192, and qhp-31981.
Cardiothoracic surgery is covered under medical insurance for medically indicated conditions. These are complex, expensive procedures that always require prior authorization. Cardiac rehabilitation after surgery is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans (typically 36 sessions). Verify that all members of the surgical team and the hospital are in-network. Hospital stays for heart surgery commonly exceed $100,000 before insurance.