Clear Answers Before You Decide on Surgery
Choosing a surgeon brings up many questions about procedures, recovery, insurance and what to expect at each visit. Matthew Lublin, MD cares for patients at offices in Santa Monica and Encino, CA, and this page collects the questions our team hears most often. If you don’t see your question here, call and we’ll be glad to help.
Request an AppointmentGetting the Most From Your Visit
Dr. Lublin is a general surgeon focused on minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Patients come to our Santa Monica and Encino offices for hernia surgery, gallbladder surgery, hiatal hernia and reflux surgery, bariatric surgery, colon surgery and anorectal surgery. You can see the full list of procedures on our services page.
The answers below cover the practice as a whole: scheduling, office locations, insurance, surgery options and recovery. For details about a specific procedure, the individual service pages go deeper. New to the practice? Our new patients page explains how your first visit works, and you can read what other patients have shared on our testimonials page.
Common Questions From Our Patients
What type of surgeon is Dr. Lublin?
Dr. Matthew Lublin is a general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) who focuses on minimally invasive laparoscopic and da Vinci robotic surgery. He treats patients at offices in Santa Monica and Encino, CA.
What conditions and procedures does the practice treat?
Dr. Lublin performs hernia repair, gallbladder removal, hiatal hernia and anti-reflux surgery, bariatric (weight loss) surgery, colon surgery including diverticulitis and colon cancer surgery, and anorectal procedures for hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses and fistulas. Visit our services page for the complete list.
Where are your offices located?
We have two offices that serve patients equally. The Santa Monica office is at 2001 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1170W, Santa Monica, CA 90404. The Encino office is at 16311 Ventura Blvd, Suite 800, Encino, CA 91436. You can choose whichever location is most convenient for you.
What are your office hours?
Our offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Call during these hours to schedule an appointment or ask a question.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call us at or use our online appointment request. Let us know which office you prefer, the reason for your visit, and your insurance information so we can prepare for your consultation.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lublin?
Some insurance plans, particularly HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. PPO plans often do not. Check with your insurance company, and our staff can help you understand what your plan needs before your visit.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications and allergies, any referral paperwork, and copies of recent imaging, lab work or medical records related to your condition. Completing your patient forms ahead of time can shorten your check-in.
What is the difference between laparoscopic, robotic and open surgery?
Open surgery uses one larger incision. Laparoscopic surgery uses several small incisions, a camera and slim instruments. Robotic surgery with the da Vinci system also uses small incisions, but the surgeon controls precise robotic instruments with a magnified 3D view. Learn more on our robotic vs. laparoscopy vs. open page.
Am I a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
Many patients are good candidates, but the best approach depends on your condition, health history and any previous abdominal surgery. Dr. Lublin reviews your situation during your consultation and explains which option makes the most sense for you.
Where will my surgery be performed?
Procedures are performed at the hospitals and surgical facilities where Dr. Lublin holds privileges. Our team will tell you where your surgery is scheduled and what to expect on the day. See our affiliated hospitals page for details.
Do you accept insurance?
We work with many insurance plans. Because coverage varies by plan and procedure, call our office at with your insurance information and our staff will help verify your benefits before surgery.
How can I pay for bariatric surgery?
Many insurance plans cover weight loss surgery when certain medical requirements are met, and self-pay options may also be available. Our paying for bariatric surgery page explains the process, including what to do if your insurance denies coverage.
How long does recovery take after laparoscopic surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure. Many patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay and return to light activity within days to a couple of weeks. Larger procedures such as colon or bariatric surgery take longer. Dr. Lublin gives you a recovery plan specific to your surgery.
Will I have pain after surgery?
Some soreness is normal, but smaller incisions usually mean less pain than open surgery. You will receive instructions for managing discomfort, and most patients find it improves steadily over the first several days.
When can I return to work and exercise?
Many patients with desk jobs return to work within one to two weeks after minimally invasive surgery. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are usually limited for a period of time to allow healing. Dr. Lublin will let you know when it is safe to resume each activity.
Will I have follow-up visits after surgery?
Yes. Follow-up visits let Dr. Lublin check your incisions, monitor your recovery and answer any questions. Bariatric patients have ongoing follow-up to support long-term weight loss, nutrition and health.
Can I come in for a second opinion?
Yes. If another doctor has recommended surgery and you would like a second opinion, you are welcome to schedule a consultation. Bring any imaging, reports and records you have so Dr. Lublin can review them.
What should I do if I have a concern after surgery?
Call our office at if you have questions or concerns during recovery, such as increasing pain, fever or redness around an incision. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.