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UnitedHealthcare Insurance Information
General Surgeon Accepting UnitedHealthcare in Katy & Sugar Land, TX
Hernia, Gallbladder and General Surgery Care for Patients With Participating UnitedHealthcare Plans
Have UnitedHealthcare and need a surgeon for a hernia, gallstones or another general surgery problem? Surgical Associates of Southern Texas participates with many insurance plans, including participating UnitedHealthcare (UHC) plans. UHC offers many different plans with different rules, 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 UHC plan types, referrals and prior authorization 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 UHC plans
- Services for UHC members
- Types of UHC plans
- How to verify your coverage
- Do I need a referral?
- Prior authorization
- Meet your surgeon
- What you may owe
- Where UHC members are seen
- What to bring
- Have a different plan?
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
UnitedHealthcare Coverage at a Glance
- Do we work with UnitedHealthcare?
- Yes, with many UnitedHealthcare 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 UHC member ID card helps identify your plan.
- Verifying coverage
- Call the office with your member ID card ready, and check with UnitedHealthcare through your member account or the phone number on your card.
- Referrals
- HMO and POS plans generally need a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist. PPO and EPO plans are less likely to require one.
- Prior authorization
- Some planned procedures, including many elective surgeries, need plan approval first. Approval is not a promise of payment.
- What you may owe
- Your deductible, copay or coinsurance, as set by your UHC 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.
UHC Participation
Do You Accept UnitedHealthcare for General Surgery?
Yes, for many plans. Patients with participating UnitedHealthcare plans can schedule a consultation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir at our Katy and Sugar Land offices. He evaluates hernias, gallbladder conditions and other surgical problems. Because participation can differ from one UHC plan to another, please verify your specific plan with our office before your visit.
Dr. Shakir is an independent, board-certified surgeon who sees patients covered by a wide range of insurers. UnitedHealthcare is one of several plans patients frequently ask us about. 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
UnitedHealthcare offers plans through employers, individual coverage, Medicare and Medicaid. Two people with UHC cards can have very different networks, referral rules and costs. A practice may participate with some UHC plans but not others, so our office checks the exact plan on your card, not only the company name.
Our accepted insurance list shows the plans the practice works with. Participation can change, so please verify before each new course of care.
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas is an independent surgical practice. It participates with many UnitedHealthcare plans but is not owned by, affiliated with or endorsed by UnitedHealthcare or UnitedHealth Group.
Surgical Services
General Surgery for Patients With UnitedHealthcare Plans
A consultation is the starting point, whether you were referred for a hernia, told you have gallstones on an ultrasound, or have another surgical concern. Dr. Shakir reviews your records, examines you and recommends a plan. He uses laparoscopic or robotic methods when they are the better option. Whether a visit or operation is covered depends on your plan and on medical necessity.
Seeing a Hernia Surgeon With UnitedHealthcare
Patients with participating UHC plans can see Dr. Shakir for a hernia evaluation at our Katy or Sugar Land office. Hernia repair is a core part of his practice, from first-time groin and umbilical hernias to incisional and recurrent hernias after earlier operations.
He performs open, laparoscopic and robotic repair and chooses the method for each patient rather than defaulting to one. Coverage for a consultation or a particular repair depends on your plan’s terms and medical necessity, so please verify benefits in advance.
Seeing a Gallbladder Surgeon With UnitedHealthcare
If you have been told you have gallstones, or you have repeated attacks of upper right abdominal pain, nausea or discomfort after eating, you can schedule a gallbladder consultation with a participating UHC plan. Dr. Shakir reviews your ultrasound or other imaging and explains your options.
When removal is recommended, it is most often done laparoscopically. Benefits vary by plan, so our staff can help you confirm what to expect before surgery.
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 UnitedHealthcare 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 descriptions below are general education based on UnitedHealthcare’s public plan guides. Your own plan documents are the final word.
HMO Plans
Care is generally limited to the plan’s network. Most HMO plans ask you to choose a primary care provider and get a referral before seeing a specialist. Out-of-network care is typically covered only in emergencies.
PPO Plans
The most flexible type. You are less likely to need a primary care provider or a referral to see a specialist. Out-of-network care is usually included, but at a reduced level of coverage.
EPO Plans
You can generally see any provider in the network, and you are less likely to need a referral. EPO plans do not offer out-of-network benefits, except possibly for emergencies.
POS Plans
A mix of HMO and PPO features. A primary care provider often coordinates your care, and you need a referral to see a specialist. Some out-of-network care may be covered at a higher cost.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare-approved plans from private companies that people with Medicare can choose instead of Original Medicare. They come in HMO and PPO versions, each with its own network, referral and authorization rules.
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.
Some UnitedHealthcare plans are Medicaid or other government-sponsored plans, with their own networks and rules. If you are not sure which type you have, call the member phone number on your UHC ID card or check your member account.
Verify Your Coverage
How to Verify Your UnitedHealthcare Plan Before Your Appointment
The surest way to verify coverage is to check with both UnitedHealthcare and our office before your first visit. UHC offers many plan types, and participation and benefits vary between them. Our staff can help you confirm network status, referral needs and authorization requirements for your plan. Our general verification guide covers the same steps for every carrier.
Questions to Ask UnitedHealthcare
- 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 prior authorization?
- 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 Member ID Card
Your UHC card usually lists your member ID, group number, plan information and a member phone number. Keep it handy, and bring it to your visit, front and back.
2. Check With UnitedHealthcare
Sign in to your UHC member account or app, or call the number on your card, to confirm your benefits, network and referral rules.
3. Call Our Office
Call 713-955-9191 or use our contact form, and have your card handy when we call you back. Our staff checks your specific plan, then helps you schedule in Katy or Sugar Land.
Referrals
Do You Need a Referral to See a Surgeon With UnitedHealthcare?
It depends on your plan type. UnitedHealthcare explains that most HMO plans and POS plans require a referral from your primary care provider before you see a specialist, while PPO and EPO plans are less likely to require one. 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 submit the referral 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 the referral number to your visit.
Medicare Advantage Referrals
According to Medicare.gov, Medicare Advantage HMO plans generally require a referral to see a specialist, while Medicare Advantage PPO plans do not. If you have a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, call our office to confirm participation and requirements for your exact plan before your visit.
Prior Authorization
Does UnitedHealthcare Require Prior Authorization for Surgery?
Sometimes. UnitedHealthcare lists elective surgeries among the services that commonly need prior authorization. Whether your operation needs it depends on the procedure, where it is done, and your specific plan. Many office visits do not need it.
What Prior Authorization Means
Prior authorization, also called preauthorization or precertification, 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 prior authorization is needed, your doctor generally asks the plan to approve the care before you get it. Once Dr. Shakir recommends surgery, ask our staff how authorization will be handled for your procedure. Starting early helps avoid scheduling delays. You can also check your plan’s requirements in your UHC member account or by calling the number on your card.
If a Request Is Denied
A denial is not always the final answer. UnitedHealthcare explains that members can appeal a prior authorization decision. Your doctor may also suggest another option your plan covers.
Emergencies Come First
Never delay emergency care to check UnitedHealthcare coverage; plans covering emergency care cannot require prior authorization for it. 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 a UnitedHealthcare Plan
Even when your UHC 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. Our insurance cost guide explains each term.
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 UnitedHealthcare whether each one is in network for your plan.
If Our Practice Is Out of Network for Your Plan
PPO and POS plans may pay part of the cost of out-of-network care, but you pay more. HMO and EPO plans generally pay nothing outside emergencies. Ask UnitedHealthcare what it would pay, then call our office to talk through your options.
Your rights under the federal No Surprises Act, including protection from many surprise out-of-network bills, are explained on our insurance information page.
Offices and Areas
Where Can UnitedHealthcare Members Be Seen?
Patients with participating UHC plans are seen at our Katy and Sugar Land offices. The same surgeon and the same general surgery services are available at both, and plan participation is the same at either office.
Patients From Cypress
There is no Cypress office. Cypress patients with UHC can contact us to verify plan participation and schedule at our Katy office, which is usually the closer of the two. See our page for Cypress patients.
Patients From Greater Houston
Patients from Houston, West Houston and Spring also visit our Katy and Sugar Land offices, as do patients from Richmond, Fulshear and Rosenberg. We serve these areas; we do not have offices there.
Katy Office
A short drive for patients in Katy and Fulshear. Patients with participating UHC plans can book hernia, gallbladder and general surgery consultations here.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494
713-955-9191 • Katy office page
Sugar Land Office
Patients in Sugar Land, Richmond and Rosenberg often choose this office, where they see the same surgeon for the same services.
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 UnitedHealthcare coverage and helps Dr. Shakir make the most of your visit.
- Photo ID
- Your current UHC member ID card, front and back, and any secondary insurance card
- Your referral number, 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 UnitedHealthcare. If your insurance company 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 UnitedHealthcare Members Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas
Dr. Murtaza Shakir sees patients with participating UnitedHealthcare plans, and our staff helps you verify coverage before your visit.
- Help checking referral or prior authorization 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 UnitedHealthcare
Is there a general surgeon near me who accepts UnitedHealthcare?
Patients with participating UnitedHealthcare plans can schedule a general surgery consultation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir in Katy or Sugar Land. The practice participates with many UHC plans, but not necessarily every one, so please verify your specific plan before the visit.
How do I check whether my UnitedHealthcare plan covers a visit here?
Sign in to your UHC member account or call the number on your member ID card, then call our office at 713-955-9191. Ask about network status, referral and prior authorization rules, and your copay and deductible.
Do I need a referral to see a surgeon with UnitedHealthcare?
It depends on your plan type. Most UHC HMO and POS plans require a referral from your primary care provider, while PPO and EPO plans are less likely to. Check your plan documents or ask our staff.
Does UnitedHealthcare require prior authorization for hernia or gallbladder surgery?
It depends on the procedure, the setting and your plan. UnitedHealthcare lists elective surgeries among services that commonly need prior authorization. Once surgery is recommended, our staff can help you find out what your plan requires.
Does UnitedHealthcare cover gallbladder surgery?
Coverage varies by UHC plan and can depend on medical necessity, network status, deductibles and prior authorization. Our office can help you identify what to verify.
Is there a hernia surgeon near Katy who accepts UnitedHealthcare?
Yes. Dr. Shakir evaluates and repairs hernias at our Katy office, 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494, for patients with participating UHC plans.
Do you accept UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare Advantage plans have their own networks, referral and authorization rules. Please call our office with your card before your visit so staff can confirm whether the practice participates with your exact UHC Medicare plan.
What will I owe for surgery with UnitedHealthcare?
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 UnitedHealthcare for your expected share, and call our office with questions.
What if my UnitedHealthcare plan does not include your practice?
Some plans, such as PPO and POS plans, may pay part of the cost of out-of-network care, while HMO and EPO plans generally pay nothing outside emergencies. Ask UnitedHealthcare what it would pay, then call our office to talk through your options.
Should I check my UHC coverage before going to the emergency room?
No. Never delay emergency care to check coverage. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Plans that cover emergency care cannot require prior authorization for it.
Sources and references
- HMO, PPO, EPO or POS Insurance Plans: What’s the Difference and How to Decide, UnitedHealthcare
- What Is Prior Authorization in Health Insurance?, UnitedHealthcare
- Preauthorization (Glossary), HealthCare.gov
- Compare Types of Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare.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 UnitedHealthcare Plan and Schedule a Consultation
Call our office or send a message to verify your UnitedHealthcare 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 prior authorization 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. UnitedHealthcare is a trademark of its owner. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas is an independent practice and is not owned by, affiliated with or endorsed by UnitedHealthcare or UnitedHealth Group.
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