Aetna Insurance Information
General Surgeon Accepting Aetna in Katy & Sugar Land, TX
Hernia, Gallbladder and General Surgery Care for Patients With Participating Aetna Plans
If you have Aetna insurance and need a surgeon for a hernia, gallstones or another general surgery problem, two questions usually come first: will my plan work here, and what will I owe? Surgical Associates of Southern Texas participates with many Aetna plans. Coverage varies from plan to plan, so our office verifies your specific plan before your visit.
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, sees patients at our Katy and Sugar Land offices, serving Cypress, Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston. This page explains how Aetna plan types, referrals and precertification can affect a surgical visit. For other carriers and billing rights, see our main insurance information page.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon and surgical oncologist in Katy and Sugar Land, TX
- Dual board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology
- Named a Houstonia Top Doctor in General Surgery, 2026 (see listing)
- Highly reviewed: rated 4.9 stars on Google
- Specialized in hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, appendectomy, reflux surgery, and cancer surgery using open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches
Patient Reviews
What Patients Say About Dr. Shakir
Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Real experiences from patients treated in Katy and Sugar Land.
Jump to a section
- At a glance
- Working with Aetna plans
- Services for Aetna members
- Types of Aetna plans
- How to verify your coverage
- Do I need a referral?
- Prior authorization
- Meet your surgeon
- What you may owe
- Where Aetna members are seen
- What to bring
- Have a different plan?
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Aetna Coverage at a Glance
- Do we work with Aetna?
- Yes, with many Aetna plans. Participation varies by plan, so the office verifies your specific plan before your visit.
- Plan type matters
- HMO, PPO, EPO, POS and Medicare Advantage plans have different network and referral rules. Your Aetna ID card shows which type you have.
- Verifying coverage
- Call the office with your Aetna ID card ready, and check with Aetna through the member services number on your card or your member account.
- Referrals
- Aetna HMO plans generally need a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist. PPO plans generally do not. Other plan types vary.
- Precertification
- Aetna requires precertification before inpatient admissions and selected outpatient procedures, depending on your plan. Approval is not a promise of payment.
- What you may owe
- Your deductible, copay or coinsurance, as set by your Aetna plan. Surgery can bring separate bills from the surgeon, facility and anesthesia.
- In an emergency
- Do not delay care to check coverage. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Where
- Offices in Katy and Sugar Land, TX. Plan participation is the same at both. Call 713-955-9191.
Aetna Participation
Does Our Practice Work With Aetna Plans?
Yes. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas participates with many Aetna plans, and Dr. Shakir sees patients with participating Aetna plans for hernias, gallbladder disease and other general surgery needs. Because participation can differ from one Aetna plan to another, please confirm your specific plan with our office before your visit.
Dr. Shakir is an independent, board-certified surgeon who treats patients with many different insurance plans. Insurance participation affects how a visit is billed. It does not change who your surgeon is or how your care is planned.
One Carrier, Many Different Plans
Aetna offers many plans, and employers can design their own benefits within them. Two people with Aetna cards can have very different networks, referral rules and costs, and a practice may participate with some Aetna plans but not others. That is why our office checks your exact plan.
Our accepted insurance list shows the plans the practice works with. Participation can change, so please verify before each new course of care.
Surgical Services
Which Surgical Services Can Aetna Members Schedule?
Patients with participating Aetna plans can schedule a consultation for any service the practice offers. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include open, laparoscopic or robotic surgery when clinically appropriate. Whether a specific visit or operation is covered depends on your plan and on medical necessity.
Seeing a Hernia Surgeon With Aetna
Patients with participating Aetna plans can schedule a hernia evaluation in Katy or Sugar Land. Dr. Shakir evaluates common and complex hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias. He discusses treatment based on the type of hernia, your symptoms, any previous repairs and your overall health.
Repair can be open, laparoscopic or robotic. Robotic repair is one of his most frequently used approaches, but it is recommended only when it fits your situation. Whether your plan covers a consultation or a specific repair depends on its terms, so verify benefits first.
Seeing a Gallbladder Surgeon With Aetna
Patients with Aetna who have gallstones, recurring pain under the right ribs after meals, nausea or other gallbladder symptoms can schedule a surgical evaluation. The visit reviews your symptoms, history and imaging to decide whether surgery is the right step.
When surgery is appropriate, Dr. Shakir can discuss minimally invasive gallbladder removal, usually performed laparoscopically through small incisions. Benefits for the consultation and procedure depend on your plan and on medical necessity.
General Surgery
Evaluation and surgical treatment of common abdominal, skin and soft-tissue conditions. Learn about general surgery.
Hernia Repair
Inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernia repair. Learn about hernia repair.
Robotic Hernia Surgery
A minimally invasive approach when it suits the hernia and your anatomy. Learn about robotic hernia repair.
Gallbladder Surgery
Evaluation of gallstones and gallbladder disease, and surgery when needed. Learn about gallbladder surgery and laparoscopic gallbladder removal.
Appendicitis
Prompt surgical evaluation and appendectomy. Suspected appendicitis needs same-day emergency care. Learn about appendicitis.
Reflux, Cancer and Wound Care
Also available: reflux surgery, surgical oncology and wound care.
Plan Types
How Your Type of Aetna Plan Affects a Surgical Visit
Your plan type sets the main rules for seeing a surgeon: whether you must stay in network, whether you need a referral, and how much you pay. The plan type is usually printed on your Aetna ID card. The descriptions below are general. Your own plan documents are the final word.
HMO Plans
Care is generally limited to in-network providers. You choose a primary care provider who manages your care, and you generally need a referral to see a specialist such as a surgeon.
PPO Plans
The most flexible type. You can generally see specialists without a referral, and some out-of-network care may be covered. In-network care usually costs you less.
EPO Plans
Care is generally in network only, except emergencies. Some EPO plans require a referral to see a specialist and others do not, so check your plan.
POS Plans
A more flexible HMO-style plan. A primary care provider may coordinate your care and referrals, and out-of-network care may be possible at a higher cost.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare-approved plans from private companies that people with Medicare can choose instead of Original Medicare. They have their own networks and their own referral and authorization rules, separate from employer plans.
High-Deductible Plans
Lower monthly premiums with a higher deductible, sometimes paired with a health savings account (HSA). You may pay more of the cost of surgery until the deductible is met.
If you are not sure which type you have, call the member services number on your Aetna ID card.
Verify Your Coverage
How to Verify Your Aetna Coverage Before Your Appointment
The surest way to verify coverage is to check with both Aetna and our office before your first visit. Networks and benefits vary by employer, plan and individual policy. Our staff can help you identify what is needed to verify your plan, including whether a referral or precertification is required.
Questions to Ask Aetna
- Is Dr. Murtaza Shakir in network for my specific plan?
- Do I need a referral from my primary care provider to see a surgeon?
- Does the visit or the planned procedure need precertification?
- What is my specialist copay, and how much of my deductible have I met?
- What coinsurance applies to outpatient surgery or a hospital stay?
- Are the hospital or surgery center and the anesthesia provider in network?
Note the date and any call reference number.
Protect Your Personal Information
Please do not send your insurance ID number or Social Security number through an unsecured web form. Our staff will collect what is needed when they contact you.
1. Check Your Aetna ID Card
Your card lists your member ID, group number, plan type and the member services phone number. Keep it handy, and bring it to your visit, front and back.
2. Check With Aetna
Call the member services number on your card, or log in to your Aetna member account, to confirm your benefits, network and referral rules.
3. Call Our Office
Call 713-955-9191 or use our contact form. Our staff checks whether the practice participates with your specific plan, then helps you schedule in Katy or Sugar Land.
Referrals
Do You Need a Referral to See a Surgeon With Aetna?
It depends on your plan type. Aetna explains that HMO plans generally require a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist, while PPO plans generally do not. EPO and POS plans vary. Many patients are referred by a primary care doctor, a gastroenterologist or an emergency department. If your plan does not require a referral, you can call our office at 713-955-9191 to schedule.
What a Referral Is
A referral is a written order from your primary care doctor for you to see a specialist or get certain services. In many HMO plans, the plan may not pay for specialist care you get without one.
If Your Plan Requires a Referral
- Ask your primary care provider to send the referral to our office before your appointment.
- Make sure the referral names Dr. Murtaza Shakir or Surgical Associates of Southern Texas.
- Ask how many visits the referral covers and when it expires.
- Bring a copy, or the referral number, to your visit.
Prior Authorization
Does Aetna Require Prior Authorization for Surgery?
Sometimes. Aetna calls prior authorization precertification. Aetna’s public information says precertification applies before inpatient admissions and selected outpatient procedures and services, including those on Aetna’s precertification list and those required under the terms of a member’s plan. Whether your operation needs it depends on the procedure and on your specific plan.
What Precertification Means
Precertification, also called prior authorization or preauthorization, is your plan’s decision that a service or procedure is medically necessary. It is not a promise that the plan will pay the full cost. Your deductible, copay and coinsurance still apply.
How It Usually Works
When precertification is needed, the request is generally submitted by the doctor’s office or facility before a planned operation. Once Dr. Shakir recommends surgery, ask our staff how precertification will be handled for your procedure. Starting early helps avoid scheduling delays.
Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans often have their own referral and authorization rules. If you have an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, call our office to confirm participation and requirements for your exact plan before your visit.
Emergencies Come First
Never delay emergency care to check Aetna coverage; emergency care generally does not need prior approval. Seek care right away for severe belly pain, a painful or discolored hernia bulge, yellow eyes with fever, nonstop vomiting, heavy bleeding, chest pain or trouble breathing. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Your Surgeon
Meet Your General Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
General surgery care at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas is led by Dr. Murtaza Shakir, who is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology. Your insurance plan affects billing, not who your surgeon is or how your care is planned.
Board certification
American Board of Surgery: General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology
Medical degree
Aga Khan University
Residency
General Surgery, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Fellowship
Two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Surgical practice includes
Named a Houstonia Top Doctor in General Surgery (2026). Learn more about our general surgery services.
Your Costs
What You May Owe With an Aetna Plan
Even when your Aetna plan covers a visit or operation, you usually pay part of the cost. Your share is set by your plan, not by our practice, and depends on your deductible, copay, coinsurance and out-of-pocket limit.
One Operation Can Mean Several Bills
Surgery often involves more than one provider, and each may bill separately. Charges may come from the surgeon, the hospital or surgery center, the anesthesia provider, and the pathology lab if tissue is tested. Ask Aetna whether each one is in network for your plan.
If Our Practice Is Out of Network for Your Plan
Some plans, often PPO plans, pay part of the cost of out-of-network care. Many HMO and EPO plans pay nothing outside emergencies. Ask Aetna what it would pay, then call our office to talk through your options.
Your Billing Rights
The federal No Surprises Act protects insured patients from many unexpected out-of-network bills, including for emergency care and certain care at in-network hospitals and surgery centers. Uninsured and self-pay patients can usually get a Good Faith Estimate. Our insurance information page explains these rights in more detail.
Deductible
The amount you pay for covered services each plan year before your plan starts to pay. Some services may be covered before you meet it.
Copayment (Copay)
A fixed amount for a covered service, often due at the visit. A specialist visit and outpatient surgery can have different copays.
Coinsurance
Your percentage share of the allowed amount for a covered service, usually after you meet your deductible.
Out-of-Pocket Limit
The most you pay for covered, in-network services in a plan year. After you reach it, your plan generally pays the full allowed amount.
Offices and Areas
Where Can Aetna Members Be Seen?
Patients with participating Aetna plans are seen at our Katy and Sugar Land offices. The same surgeon and the same range of general surgery services are available at both, and plan participation is the same at either office.
Patients From Cypress
We do not have a Cypress office. Cypress patients with Aetna can contact us to choose the more convenient location, usually Katy, and verify their specific plan. See our page for Cypress patients.
Patients From Greater Houston
Patients from Houston, West Houston, Richmond, Fulshear and Rosenberg travel to our Katy or Sugar Land offices for consultations. These communities are service areas, not separate office locations.
Katy Office
Patients in Katy with participating Aetna plans can schedule a general surgery consultation for hernias, gallbladder conditions and other surgical problems.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494
713-955-9191 • Katy office page
Sugar Land Office
Our Sugar Land office on West Grand Parkway sees patients from Sugar Land, Stafford and nearby Richmond.
17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Sugar Land, TX 77479
713-955-9191 • Sugar Land office page
Your First Visit
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Bringing the right documents helps our staff confirm your Aetna coverage and helps Dr. Shakir make the most of your visit.
- Photo ID
- Your current Aetna ID card, front and back, and any secondary insurance card
- Your referral, if your plan requires one
- Imaging reports and discs, such as ultrasound, CT or MRI
- Endoscopy, biopsy or pathology reports
- Recent lab results
- A list of your medicines, supplements and allergies
- Records of previous operations
- A list of your questions
New patient paperwork is available on our patient forms page.
Other Insurance
Have a Different Insurance Plan?
The practice works with many major insurance plans beyond Aetna. If your insurer is not listed here, contact our office and our team can help you find out whether your specific plan participates with the practice.
You can also review our insurance information page or the full list of accepted plans.
Why Choose Us
Why Aetna Members Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas
Dr. Murtaza Shakir sees patients with participating Aetna plans, and our staff helps you verify coverage before your visit.
- Help checking referral or precertification needs before your visit
- Double board certified by the American Board of Surgery
- Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery when appropriate and safe
- Same plan participation in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for General Surgery
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for general surgery consultations and procedures, including participating Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Our office can confirm whether your specific plan participates and whether a referral or prior authorization is needed before your visit.
Coverage, network participation, authorization requirements, and your share of the cost vary by plan. You can also review the insurance accepted for surgical care at our practice.
Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield are only some of the plans we accept. Plan-specific details are on our Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield pages. If your plan is not listed, contact our office and our team will help verify it.
Insurance participation and benefits vary by individual plan. Verification does not guarantee coverage, authorization or payment. Please contact our office and your insurer to verify benefits before treatment.
Our Locations
Two Convenient Fort Bend County Offices
Learn more about our Katy and Sugar Land practices, or view all locations.
Katy Office
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D
Katy, TX 77494
Serves: Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Cinco Ranch and West Houston
Sugar Land Office
17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Serves: Sugar Land, Richmond, Stafford, Missouri City, Fort Bend County and Southwest Houston
Approximate Drive Times
From West Houston (Energy Corridor): about 15 minutes to Katy, or 25 to 30 minutes to Sugar Land.
From North Houston: about 40 to 50 minutes to either office, depending on traffic.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions From Patients With Aetna
Do you accept Aetna for general surgery?
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas participates with many Aetna plans, but not necessarily every one. Please contact our office and Aetna to confirm participation, benefits and any referral or precertification requirements for your specific plan.
How do I check whether my Aetna plan covers a visit here?
Call the member services number on your Aetna ID card or log in to your Aetna member account, then call our office. Ask about network status, referral and precertification rules, and your copay and deductible.
Do I need a referral to see a surgeon with Aetna?
It depends on your plan type. Aetna HMO plans generally require a referral from your primary care provider, while PPO plans generally do not. EPO and POS plans vary, so check your plan documents or call Aetna.
Does Aetna require prior authorization for hernia or gallbladder surgery?
It depends on the procedure, the setting and your plan. Aetna requires precertification before inpatient admissions and selected outpatient procedures. Once surgery is recommended, our staff can help you find out what your plan requires.
Does Aetna cover hernia surgery?
Coverage for hernia surgery varies by Aetna plan. It may depend on medical necessity, network status, your deductible, precertification and other plan terms. Our office can help you identify the information needed to verify benefits.
Can I see a gallbladder surgeon with my Aetna plan?
Yes, patients with participating Aetna plans can schedule a gallbladder evaluation. Whether surgery is covered depends on your plan terms and on medical necessity.
Do you accept Aetna Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare Advantage plans have their own networks and rules. Please call our office with your card before your visit so staff can confirm whether the practice participates with your exact Aetna Medicare plan.
What will I owe for surgery with Aetna?
Your share depends on the procedure, where it is done, and your plan’s deductible, copay, coinsurance and out-of-pocket limit. Once surgery is recommended, ask Aetna for your expected share, and call our office with questions.
Is there a general surgeon near Katy who accepts Aetna?
Yes. Dr. Shakir sees patients with participating Aetna plans at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494. Call 713-955-9191 to verify your plan and schedule.
Should I check my Aetna coverage before going to the emergency room?
No. Never delay emergency care to check coverage. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Federal law limits what most insured patients can be charged for out-of-network emergency care.
Sources and references
- HMO, PPO, POS, EPO and HDHP: What’s the Difference, Aetna
- Precertification, Aetna
- Referral (Glossary), HealthCare.gov
- Preauthorization (Glossary), HealthCare.gov
- Medical Bill Rights (No Surprises Act), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Reviewed by the Review Team at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas.
Medical Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. For severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Verify Your Aetna Plan and Schedule a Consultation
Call our office or send a message to verify your Aetna plan, then book an evaluation for a hernia, gallbladder problem or other general surgery need with Dr. Murtaza Shakir. Our staff can check participation and any referral or precertification needs. Offices in Katy and Sugar Land serve Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston.
Coverage and network participation vary by individual plan. This page does not guarantee coverage, authorization or payment. Aetna is a trademark of its owner. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas is an independent practice and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Aetna.
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