Overview
I specialize in treating patients with complex abdominal wall hernias and foregut conditions, such as acid reflux, hiatal hernias, and swallowing disorders. I am passionate about helping people return to the activities and quality of life they enjoy. By using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, I am able to repair complex problems in a way that often leads to less pain and a quicker recovery. I understand that surgery can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. I believe in listening closely to each patient’s goals and working together to create a treatment plan that fits their needs and values. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and staying active on the golf course. I look forward to caring for you and your family.
Dr. Kushner is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Choledocholithiasis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.
His clinical research consists of co-authoring 42 peer reviewed articles and participating in 1 clinical trial. MediFind looks at clinical research from the past 15 years. In particular, he has co-authored 2 articles in the study of Diaphragmatic Hernia.
Insurance
Accepted insurance can change. Please verify directly with the provider.
Accepted insurance plans:
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- HMO
- INDEMNITY
- POS
- PPO
- OTHER MANAGED MEDICAID
- OTHER MEDICAID
- STATE MEDICAID
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER COMMERCIAL
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
Locations
407 Crutchfield St, Durham, NC 27704
120 E Carver St, Durham, NC 27704
40 Duke Medicine Cir, Durham, NC 27710
Clinical Research
Clinical research consists of overseeing clinical studies of patients undergoing new treatments and therapies, and publishing articles in peer reviewed medical journals. Providers who actively participate in clinical research are generally at the forefront of the fields and aware of the most up-to-date advances in treatments for their patients.
1 Clinical Trials
Davis Ambulatory Surgical Center
The impact I have on my patients is what I enjoy most about being a weight loss surgeon. It is amazing that we can do an operation that not only helps a patient lose weight, but also fixes their diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with giving them a better quality of life. There are a lot of options these days for people who are considering weight loss surgery. It’s important for patients to take into account each institution and what resources they have available. Duke is fully equipped to take care of complex cases in a safe manner. We have a multi-institutional team that’s been around the Triangle the longest and has the most experience. Almost every patient comes back after surgery and we see some of their previous medical conditions go away. That’s a good definition of success. Dr. Portenier is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Hernia, Short Bowel Syndrome, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Rex Hospital Inc
Amita Desai is a General Surgeon in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Desai is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Hiatal Hernia, Paget Disease of the Breast, Appendectomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Desai is currently accepting new patients.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Maggie Hodges is a General Surgeon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Hodges is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. Her top areas of expertise are Hernia, Hiatal Hernia, Diaphragmatic Hernia, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, and Appendectomy. Dr. Hodges is currently accepting new patients.
Areas of Expertise
MediFind evaluates expertise by pulling from factors such as number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials, speaking at industry conferences, prescribing and referral patterns, and strength of connections with other experts in their field.
Learn more about MediFind’s expert tiers
- Elite
- HerniaDr. Kushner isElite. Learn about Hernia.
- Advanced
- CholedocholithiasisDr. Kushner isAdvanced. Learn about Choledocholithiasis.
- Experienced
- Diaphragmatic HerniaDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Diaphragmatic Hernia.
- EndoscopyDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Endoscopy.
- Gallbladder RemovalDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Gallbladder Removal.
- GastrectomyDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Gastrectomy.
- Gastric BypassDr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Gastric Bypass.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)Dr. Kushner isExperienced. Learn about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).