Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?

No, you don’t need a referral from your primary care physician to consult Dr. Harris.

The ONLY thing you need to do to arrange for a consultation with Dr. Harris is to call (540) 776-6979.

Where is your office? How do I get there? Where do I park?

Here is our office information.

Where can I find testimonials (from real patients) regarding Dr. Harris?

Right here.

What insurance plans does Dr. Harris accept?

Dr. Harris is a registered provider for many insurance plans, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare; call our office or check with your insurance provider for more details regarding your specific plan.

What forms of payment does Dr. Harris’ office accept? Do you offer financing? Do you accept credit cards?

Dr. Harris accepts cash or checks. Financing is also available through the CareCredit healthcare credit card or the Prosper Health Care Lending Program.

Call Dr. Harris today and talk to him about your needs and concerns. He is ready to help.

Is Dr. Harris board-certified?

Excellent question! Yes.

Confirm Dr. Harris’ Board-certification.

Dr. Harris is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc., and also a diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners, both of which are requirements to become a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Being ABPS certified means that your surgeon has completed at least 5 years of residency training, passed an extensive testing process and receive the endorsement of internationally recognized specialists in plastic surgery. ABPS certification substantiates your surgeon’s training, knowledge, expertise and dedication to the best outcomes for their patients. Unfortunately, some Roanoke area doctors advertise themselves as “cosmetic surgeons” but, in fact, if they are certified at all, they have not been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. Always inspect your doctor’s diploma!

Is Dr. Harris in good standing with the Virginia Board of Medicine?

Yes.

Where did Dr. Harris earn his degrees?

Medical School: University of Kansas.
General Surgery Residency: University of Kansas Medical Center.
Plastic Surgery Residency: University of Kansas Medical Center.
Fellowship: Microvascular/Hand Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
Academic & Administrative Appointments 1989-1990: Instructor in Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

What hand surgery training has Dr. Harris received?

Dr. Harris earned a Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand in 1995.

To earn this certification, Dr. Harris completed additional training in hand surgery, focused a portion of his caseload in helping patients with hand and forearm issues, and made other contributions to the field. He completed this training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

What other awards has Dr. Harris received?

Medical awards
1987: Member of Alpha Omega Alpha, honorary medical fraternity, University of Kansas Medical School.
1987: Jayhawker M.D. Resident Educator Award, University of Kansas.
1992: Fellow of American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
1993: Fellow of American Association for Hand Surgery.
1994: Fellow of The American College of Surgeons, 1994-2022.
1995: Certified Workers’ Compensation Health Care Provider.

Other awards
1974: Rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America.
1980: Member of Phi Beta Kappa, honorary society, University of Kansas.

What types of plastic surgical procedures does Dr. Harris perform?

What type of hand and upper extremity problems does Dr. Harris treat?

Dr. Harris treats any problems involving the fingers, hand, wrist and forearm. This includes the following disorders:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tennis elbow
Nerve disorders
Overuse syndrome
Hand and forearm injuries
Degenerative arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ganglion cysts
DeQuervain’s tendonitis
Trigger fingers
Dupuytren’s contracture
Tumors and skin cancer
Congenital deformities
Burns
Hand infections
Workers’ compensation problems

What is a hand specialist?

To become a hand specialist, a surgeon must first graduate from medical school, complete at least five years of a surgical residency, followed by a one-year hand surgery fellowship.

It takes at least ten years of medical training to become a hand specialist.

After training, the surgeon must pass the oral and written board examinations of the chosen surgical specialty. To receive a Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand (formerly known as a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery), the surgeon must have his surgical cases reviewed and pass a written exam administered by the Joint Committee on Surgery of the Hand of the American Boards of Orthopaedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Surgery.

Why is it important to work with a hand specialist if I have problems with my hands or forearms?

Our hands are amazing. Their anatomy is the most intricate in our body. Humans have the most developed and sensitive hands of all living creatures. A worker performs a trade; a mother touches her children; an artist paints a canvas; a deaf person speaks; a blind person sees.

Hand disorders require an understanding of this delicate anatomy and an integration of the specialties of plastic, neurologic, orthopaedic and microvascular surgery, as well as occupational and physical therapy.

Hand surgeons treat arthritis, infections, amputations, congenital deformities, tumors, replantations, burns and any injury involving the skin, muscle, tendons, joints, bones, nerves or blood vessels of the hand and forearm.

Why is it called "plastic" surgery?

Plastic comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning to shape and form. The surgical specialty of plastic surgery includes both reconstructive and cosmetic (aesthetic) procedures.

Reconstructive surgery repairs disfigurement caused by congenital defects, trauma, infection, tumor or disease. Aesthetic surgery reshapes normal structures of the body in order to improve or enhance their appearance.

Plastic surgeons require special training, interest and aptitude. Plastic surgeons are extensively educated in the surgery of the head, breasts, hands and skin.

What is the difference between "cosmetic surgery" and "reconstructive surgery"?

Cosmetic surgery (or aesthetic surgery) reshapes normal structures of the body in order to improve a patient’s appearance and self-esteem.

Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it does not generally affect one’s health.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body. These may be caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease. Reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function, but it may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.

Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary.

Your specific situation, whether your procedures are reconstructive or cosmetic, may require special consideration by an insurance carrier.

Where can I find more information about surgical procedures?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides information on a number of different procedures.