GENERAL SURGERY • HERNIA • GALLBLADDER
General Surgeon Accepting Cigna in Katy & Sugar Land, TX
Need a general surgeon and have Cigna? Board-certified surgeon Dr. Murtaza Shakir evaluates and treats hernias, gallbladder problems and other surgical conditions at our Katy and Sugar Land offices. Our practice works with many major health plans, including participating Cigna plans.
Board-Certified General Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, General Surgery & Surgical Oncology.
Accepting New Patients
Patients with many major insurance plans welcome.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Laparoscopic and robotic options when appropriate.
Katy & Sugar Land Locations
Two offices serving Greater Houston.
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts patients with many major insurance plans. This page provides information specifically for patients with Cigna who are searching for general surgery, hernia evaluation or gallbladder care.
Where Can I Find a General Surgeon Near Me Who Accepts Cigna?
Patients with participating Cigna plans can schedule a general surgery consultation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir at the practice’s Katy or Sugar Land office. He evaluates hernias, gallstones, gallbladder disease and other conditions that may need an operation. Network participation varies by plan, so we recommend verifying your benefits before the appointment.
The Cigna products on our accepted insurance list are Cigna PPO, Open Access, HMO Select, LocalPlus and SureFit Open Access. If your card shows a different product name, our staff can check it for you.
General Surgery Care for Patients Who Have Cigna
A first visit usually includes a history, an exam and a review of any imaging. From there Dr. Shakir explains whether surgery is needed and which approach fits. When it is clinically appropriate, many procedures can be done laparoscopically or robotically. Explore our general surgery services below.
General Surgery
Evaluation and surgical treatment for common abdominal and soft-tissue conditions. Learn more →
Hernia Repair
Inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernia repair. Learn more →
Robotic Hernia Surgery
A minimally invasive approach when it suits the hernia and your anatomy. Learn more →
Gallbladder Surgery
Evaluation of gallstones and gallbladder disease, and surgery when needed. Learn more →
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal
Minimally invasive cholecystectomy through small incisions. Learn more →
Appendicitis
Prompt surgical evaluation and appendectomy. Learn more →
Do You Accept Cigna for Hernia Consultations?
Yes. Patients with participating Cigna plans can book a hernia consultation in Katy or Sugar Land. A hernia often shows up as a bulge in the groin or near the belly button, sometimes with aching when you lift or strain. At the visit, Dr. Shakir confirms the diagnosis and talks through whether watchful waiting or repair makes sense.
When repair is recommended, the choice between open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery depends on the hernia’s size and location, prior surgery or mesh, and your health. Benefits for a particular technique depend on your plan, so please verify coverage first. Visit our hernia surgery page for more.
Hernia Surgery
Read about hernia types, symptoms and open, laparoscopic and robotic repair on our main hernia surgery page. Learn more →
Gallbladder Surgery
Learn about gallstones, gallbladder attacks and minimally invasive gallbladder removal on our main gallbladder surgery page. Learn more →
Gallbladder Surgeon Accepting Cigna in the Katy Area
Gallstones can cause episodes of pain in the upper right abdomen, often after a heavy or fatty meal, along with nausea or bloating. If you have a participating Cigna plan and these symptoms sound familiar, a surgical evaluation can clarify whether the gallbladder is the cause.
If removal is advised, Dr. Shakir typically performs a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive approach through small incisions. Your cost depends on your plan, deductible and authorization rules. Read more on our gallbladder surgery page.
Your Surgeon
Meet Your General Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is an independent, board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and in Complex General Surgical Oncology. He earned his medical degree at Aga Khan University, completed General Surgery residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital and finished a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at UPMC. He performs open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, and Houstonia Magazine has recognized him among Houston’s top general surgeons.
He is not affiliated with any insurance company. He accepts patients from many health plans, and Cigna is one of the plans patients most often ask about.
General Surgeon Accepting Cigna in Katy, TX
Our Katy office on West Grand Parkway South is convenient for patients from Katy and Fulshear who have participating Cigna plans and need a surgical opinion.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494
(713) 955-9191 • Katy office page
General Surgeon Accepting Cigna in Sugar Land, TX
Patients in Sugar Land and Richmond can see the same surgeon at our Sugar Land office for hernia, gallbladder and other general surgery evaluations.
17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Sugar Land, TX 77479
(713) 955-9191 • Sugar Land office page
Serving Cypress Patients Who Have Cigna Insurance
The practice has no Cypress office. Cypress residents with Cigna can call us to confirm plan participation and book at whichever office is easier to reach, most often Katy.
Serving Patients With Cigna From Greater Houston
Many patients come from Houston, West Houston, Rosenberg and Spring. These are areas we serve from our two offices, not additional locations.
How to Check Your Cigna Plan Before Your Visit
Participation and benefits can differ even between two plans with the same carrier name. Our staff can walk you through what to check, such as network status, deductibles and whether your plan requires a referral. Please do not send insurance ID or Social Security numbers through an unsecured web form.
1. Contact Our Office
Call (713) 955-9191 or send a message, and have your insurance card handy when we call you back.
2. Verify Your Plan
Our staff can help determine whether the practice participates with your specific plan and note any referral or authorization needs.
3. Schedule Your Consultation
Choose the most convenient available appointment at our Katy or Sugar Land office.
Questions Patients With Cigna Often Ask
Where can I find a general surgeon near me who accepts Cigna?
Patients with participating Cigna plans can schedule a general surgery consultation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir at our Katy or Sugar Land office. Participation varies by plan, so please verify your benefits first.
Do you accept Cigna for hernia consultations?
Patients with participating Cigna plans can schedule a hernia consultation. Whether the visit and any repair are covered depends on your plan terms.
Does Cigna cover robotic hernia surgery?
Coverage depends on your specific plan, medical necessity, deductible and any authorization requirements. Our office can help you gather the details to confirm benefits with Cigna.
Can patients with Cigna schedule a gallbladder consultation?
Yes, patients with participating Cigna plans can schedule a gallbladder evaluation at either office.
Which Cigna plans are on your accepted list?
Our accepted insurance list includes Cigna PPO, Open Access, HMO Select, LocalPlus and SureFit Open Access. Contact the office to confirm your exact plan.
Is the Sugar Land office in the same network as Katy?
Yes. Both offices are part of the same practice with the same surgeon, so plan participation is the same at either location.
Do I need a referral to see a surgeon with Cigna?
Some Cigna plans, such as HMO plans, may require a referral from your primary care doctor. Check with Cigna or ask our staff to help.
Does the practice accept other insurance besides Cigna?
Yes. We accept patients with many major insurance plans. Call us if your plan is not listed.
Have a Different Insurance Plan?
We accept patients with many major insurance plans beyond those highlighted on this page. If your insurance company is not listed here, contact our office and our team can help you determine whether your specific plan participates with the practice. You can also review our insurance information page or the full list of accepted plans.
Request a Surgical Consultation
Contact us to verify your plan and schedule an evaluation with Dr. Shakir in Katy or Sugar Land.
Please note: We participate with many plans offered by Cigna. Coverage and network participation may vary by individual plan. This page does not guarantee coverage, authorization or payment. Please contact our office and your insurance carrier to verify benefits and network participation before treatment.