57,280
General Surgeons
100%
Accepting patients
81%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 57,280 general surgeons nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (81%). 61% accept Medicare.
General surgeons perform operations on the abdomen, breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine organs. Common procedures include appendectomy, gallbladder removal, hernia repair, colon resections, breast biopsies and mastectomies, thyroid surgery, and treatment of abdominal trauma. Despite the name, general surgery is a well-defined specialty with rigorous training requirements.
After medical school, general surgeons complete a five-year surgical residency. Some pursue additional one- to two-year fellowships in areas like surgical oncology, trauma/critical care, minimally invasive surgery, or acute care surgery. Their training covers both open surgery and laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques.
Many general surgeons serve as the first-line surgical specialist in community hospitals, handling a wide range of operative cases. In academic centers, they often subspecialize. If your primary care doctor identifies a surgical problem in the abdomen, breast, or skin, a general surgeon is typically the first referral.
See a general surgeon for gallbladder problems (gallstones), hernias (inguinal, umbilical, incisional), appendicitis, breast lumps or biopsies, colon polyps too large for endoscopic removal, skin lesions requiring excision, thyroid nodules requiring surgery, abscesses needing drainage, and any abdominal condition your doctor believes needs surgical evaluation.
The consultation includes a review of your symptoms, imaging, and lab results. The surgeon will perform a focused physical exam and discuss whether surgery is recommended, what the procedure involves, risks and benefits, expected recovery time, and alternatives. Many general surgery procedures are now done laparoscopically (small incisions, camera-guided), meaning shorter hospital stays and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
Consultation copay: $30-75 · Gallbladder removal: $5,000-15,000 · Hernia repair: $3,000-10,000 · Appendectomy: $5,000-20,000
Laparoscopic surgery uses several small incisions (5 to 12mm) and a camera to perform the operation. Open surgery uses a larger incision for direct access. Laparoscopic procedures generally have less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and smaller scars. Not every operation can be done laparoscopically. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach for your specific situation.
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is usually done as outpatient surgery. Most patients go home the same day and return to desk work within a week. Physical labor may take two to three weeks. You can eat normally after surgery, though some people experience loose stools temporarily. Open gallbladder surgery, when needed, requires a longer recovery of four to six weeks.
Not all hernias require immediate surgery. Small, asymptomatic hernias can sometimes be watched (watchful waiting). Surgery is recommended when a hernia causes pain, grows larger, or is at risk of incarceration (getting stuck). Inguinal hernias in men generally benefit from repair. Discuss timing with your surgeon based on your symptoms and hernia characteristics.
Products and services that complement your care.
Compare prescription prices at pharmacies near you and save up to 80% on your medications.
Compare PricesFindClarity may earn a commission from products recommended on this page.
Surgical consultations and procedures are covered under medical insurance. Most surgeries require prior authorization. Verify that both the surgeon and the surgical facility (hospital or ambulatory surgery center) are in-network. Ambulatory surgery centers often have lower facility fees than hospitals for the same procedure. Ask about total estimated costs including surgeon, facility, and anesthesia fees.