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Home > CA Providers > Surgical Oncologists

Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS

Accepting New Patients

(514 Ratings)

Specializes in: Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery)

Emory University School of Medicine

Professional interests include: sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), endometrial cancer, gynecologic cancer, and more.

2121 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD
SANTA MONICA, CA 90404

(310) 829-8272

Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS is a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA specializing in surgical oncology (cancer surgery). He graduated from Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS is affiliated with Providence, Cedars-Sinai, Providence Saint John's Health Center and Providence Specialty Medical Group Saint John's Physician Partners.

Office Locations

2121 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD
SANTA MONICA, CA 90404

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Some issues Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS can help you with:

Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is collected from the breast for testing. A physician may prescribe a breast biopsy for a variety of reasons, but they are most frequently prescribed for a lump found in the breast. Biopsy samples extracted are examined by pathologists in a laboratory setting and are tested to determine if they are cancerous or benign, or indicative of some other condition. Depending on the lab results, physicians may prescribe additional treatment. Other circumstances which may prompt a breast biopsy include:

Mammograms that detect other unusual features in the chest, such as a cyst or calcium deposit
Breast scans or ultrasounds that display abnormalities
Nipple changes, such as scaling, crusting, or bloody discharge

Breast biopsies are collected through several different procedures and the specific type of biopsy that a patient receives depends on the size, location, and features of a breast lump or irregularity. The three main methods of collecting a breast biopsy include:

Fine needle aspiration (FNA biopsy), where a thin needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting a small sample of tissue or liquid
Core needle biopsy (CNB biopsy), where a hollow needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting cylinders of tissue called "cores"
Open (surgical) biopsy, where a breast lump is removed through an incision in the breast

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are sometimes image-guided, where a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI helps direct the physician performing the needle extraction.

Fine needle aspiration, the most common biopsy method, generally requires few patient preparations. It is recommended patients avoid using lotion, deodorant, and perfume prior to their biopsy procedure. FNA biopsy is performed with local anesthesia (topical numbing cream) and typically has a quick recovery, but patients may experience soreness for a few days. Core needle biopsy extracts slightly more tissue than an FNA biopsy.

Open (surgical) biopsy is more invasive and requires general anesthesia, where patients are put to sleep during the procedure. Patients must fast prior to the surgery. After the biopsy is performed, patients are monitored in a recovery room for a time before being discharged, when they will need someone else to provide transportation.

Although some may consider breast biopsy to be a simple procedure, it can catch critical issues - particularly breast cancer - that impact wellness. If a breast biopsy reveals an underlying condition like life-threatening cancer, patients can receive the diagnosis and medical treatment that is necessary for their long-term health.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the targeted use of extreme cold to destroy unhealthy or unwanted tissue. The doctor applies the cold on the skin or injects it through a needle to reach the inside of the body, where it freezes away the problem tissue. Cryotherapy is often used to remove minor skin problems such as warts or skin tags, and it is also used to treat some small tumors.

To achieve the cold temperatures needed for cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen or argon gas is passed through a tube, which becomes cold enough to freeze cells on contact. Alternatively, liquid nitrogen can be swabbed directly onto the skin or via a spray, which applies only a specific, small amount to the skin at a time.

Because the area treated is typically very small, cryotherapy is not usually painful. There may be a sensation of cold and possibly some slight discomfort. Cryotherapy is very fast and can easily be performed in a doctor's office. It also doesn't require stitches, because there is no cutting involved. These benefits make cryotherapy a good choice for many issues, including:

Common warts
Genital warts
Skin tags
Age spots
Some skin cancers
Cervical cancer
Prostate cancer
Retinoblastoma, cancer that occurs in the eye

Depending on the procedure, it usually takes three to four weeks to heal after cryotherapy. If it was done internally, patients may feel sore or have a small amount of swelling the first day afterwards. If cryotherapy was performed on the skin, patients will have a scab where their tissue was removed. Keep it clean and dry so it can heal.

Pancreatectomy (Pancreas Removal)

Pancreatectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the pancreas to treat pancreatitis, tumors, or cancer. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and near the small intestine and spleen. There are three sections of the pancreas:

The head, which is the portion closest to the intestines
The body, which is the middle portion of the pancreas
The tail, which is the portion nearest the spleen

Pancreas removal procedures differ based on how much of the pancreas and surrounding organs are removed. There are three types of pancreatectomy:

Distal pancreatectomy removes the tail and body of the pancreas. This procedure treats tumors confined to these areas.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy, or the Whipple procedure, removes the pancreas, duodenum, bile duct, and, sometimes, part of the stomach. The Whipple procedure is used for pancreatic tumors that have not spread past the head of the pancreas and for other conditions affecting the pancreas, duodenum, and bile duct.
Total pancreatectomy removes the whole pancreas along with the duodenum, gallbladder, parts of the stomach and bile duct, surrounding lymph nodes, and, potentially, the spleen. Rarely performed, total pancreatectomy treats conditions that involve the entire pancreas, such as tumors found in multiple sites on the pancreas, or for rare tumors such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN).

Pancreatectomy can be done by open or minimally invasive surgery. During a laparoscopic pancreatectomy, the surgeon will use tiny incisions to insert a thin tube with a camera, or laparoscope, into the abdomen. Open surgery, or a laparotomy, is performed through a larger incision on the abdomen. If additional organs are removed, some procedures may require that the small intestine be reconnected to the stomach.

The hospital for pancreatectomy stay may be between 1-3 weeks. Generally, laparoscopic surgeries require shorter recovery periods. Whether patients undergo an open or laparoscopic procedure is determined by factors such as their condition and the extent of their procedure. For example, open surgery tends to be more common for distal pancreatectomies. If patients have difficulty eating, they may require a nasogastric tube, inserted through the nose, to carry food to their stomachs. A catheter can be inserted into the bladder if patients have trouble urinating. Full recovery may take about two months.

In The News

“Very special thanks go to Mary Jo Byrne, Oncology Clinical Social Worker at St. John's; the caring and loving private duty nurses from California Home Care N ursing Services; and Drs. Richard...”—"Karen Lynn Danielson", Pasadena Star-News, April 2009

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2024

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

lymph node procedures

In 2024, Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS performed more lymph node procedures procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of providers in related specialties within California.

Top 10%

By Volume:

adjacent tissue transfer

In 2024, Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS performed more adjacent tissue transfer procedures for Medicare patients than 90% of providers in related specialties within California.

Top 25%

By Volume:

lymph node excision

open lymph node biopsy

In 2012, Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS performed more lymph node excision, and open lymph node biopsy procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of providers in related specialties within California.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2012 were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	41
dissection	39
doctor visit	291
excision	107
lymph node procedures	83
open surgery	32
plastic surgery procedures	118
reconstructive surgery	118
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	48
soft tissue surgery	48
tissue transfer	118
vascular procedures	21
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	118

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2013 were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	11
dissection	24
doctor visit	307
excision	66
lymph node procedures	49
open surgery	11
plastic surgery procedures	114
reconstructive surgery	114
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	31
soft tissue surgery	31
tissue transfer	114
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	114

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	123
Female	72

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	180
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	100
From 75 to 84	65
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2013

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	24
Dementia	6
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2014 were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

dissection	12
doctor visit	310
excision	12
lymph node procedures	25
neck surgery	12
plastic surgery procedures	57
reconstructive surgery	57
tissue transfer	57
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	57

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	132
Female	76

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	193
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	96
From 75 to 84	74
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2014

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	17
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	25
Dementia	6
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2015 were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	11
dissection	20
doctor visit	291
excision	47
lymph node procedures	46
open surgery	11
plastic surgery procedures	67
reconstructive surgery	67
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	16
soft tissue surgery	16
tissue transfer	67
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	67

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	236
Female	148

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	356
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	182
From 75 to 84	118
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2015

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	22
Dementia	7
Cancer	25

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2016 were lymph node procedures, reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures and wound repair (e.g. stitches).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	22
dissection	52
doctor visit	433
excision	74
hospital care	15
inpatient care	15
lymph node procedures	117
neck surgery	22
open surgery	35
plastic surgery procedures	86
reconstructive surgery	86
tissue transfer	86
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	86

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	156
Female	104

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	236
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	13
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	107
From 75 to 84	101
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2016

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	13
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	5
Diabetes	28
Dementia	8
Cancer	20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2017 were lymph node procedures, reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures and wound repair (e.g. stitches).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	17
dissection	41
doctor visit	413
excision	58
hospital care	12
inpatient care	12
lymph node procedures	93
neck surgery	18
open surgery	17
plastic surgery procedures	81
reconstructive surgery	81
tissue transfer	81
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	81

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	157
Female	99

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	228
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	12
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	110
From 75 to 84	97
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2017

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	27
Dementia	8
Cancer	24

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2018 were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	18
dissection	12
doctor visit	391
excision	30
lymph node procedures	71
neck surgery	12
open surgery	18
plastic surgery procedures	78
reconstructive surgery	78
tissue transfer	78
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	78

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	149
Female	95

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	221
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	12
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	104
From 75 to 84	92
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2018

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	30
Dementia	9
Cancer	21

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2019 were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	41
doctor visit	365
excision	41
lymph node procedures	87
open surgery	41
plastic surgery procedures	102
reconstructive surgery	102
tissue transfer	102
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	102

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	136
Female	89

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	201
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	99
From 75 to 84	91
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2019

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	40
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	29
Dementia	9
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2020 were lymph node procedures, reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures and wound repair (e.g. stitches).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	44
doctor visit	292
excision	44
hospital care	58
inpatient care	58
lymph node procedures	99
open surgery	44
plastic surgery procedures	94
reconstructive surgery	94
tissue transfer	94
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	94

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	128
Female	77

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	190
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	96
From 75 to 84	78
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2020

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	27
Dementia	8
Cancer	20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2021 were lymph node procedures, reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures and wound repair (e.g. stitches).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	52
doctor visit	484
excision	52
hospital care	72
inpatient care	72
lymph node procedures	113
open surgery	52
plastic surgery procedures	112
reconstructive surgery	112
tissue transfer	112
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	112

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	171
Female	112

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	260
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	127
From 75 to 84	118
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2021

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	13
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	23
Dementia	8
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2022 were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	39
doctor visit	541
excision	39
hospital care	48
inpatient care	48
lymph node procedures	81
open surgery	39
plastic surgery procedures	85
reconstructive surgery	85
tissue transfer	85
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	85

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	200
Female	94

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	271
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	131
From 75 to 84	125
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2022

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	21
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	23
Dementia	5
Cancer	21

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2023 were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	44
doctor visit	569
excision	44
hospital care	79
inpatient care	79
lymph node procedures	94
open surgery	44
plastic surgery procedures	103
reconstructive surgery	103
tissue transfer	103
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	103

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	217
Female	117

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	319
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	143
From 75 to 84	141
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2023

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	26
Dementia	4
Cancer	20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2024 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2024 were hospital care, inpatient care, lymph node procedures and reconstructive surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	29
doctor visit	457
excision	29
hospital care	96
inpatient care	96
lymph node procedures	77
open surgery	29
plastic surgery procedures	50
reconstructive surgery	50
tissue transfer	50
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	50

2024 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	201
Female	112

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	296
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	122
From 75 to 84	140
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS in 2024

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	11
Ischemic Heart Disease	44
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	25
Dementia	7
Cancer	24

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2024

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated as a surgical oncologist in SANTA MONICA, CA were plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches), tissue transfer and reconstructive surgery.

diagnostic procedures	30
dissection	28
doctor visit	395
excision	49
hospital care	54
inpatient care	54
lymph node procedures	79
neck surgery	16
open surgery	31
plastic surgery procedures	88
reconstructive surgery	88
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	31
soft tissue surgery	31
tissue transfer	88
vascular procedures	21
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	88

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2024

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	154
Female	91

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	227
Hispanic	0
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	2

**Age**
85 and over	0
75 to 84	95
Less than 65	0
65 to 74	109

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS From 2012 - 2024

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	13
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	5
Osteoporosis	8
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	23
Atrial Fibrillation	14
Cancer	18
Dementia	6

Education & Training

Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS graduated from Emory University School of Medicine. He completed residency at UNC Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has a state license in California.

Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine

Residency: UNC Hospitals

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Providence

Cedars-Sinai

Providence Saint John's Health Center

Providence Specialty Medical Group Saint John's Physician Partners

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna PPO, Aetna HMO, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA HMO, Blue Shield of California, MultiPlan PPO, Medicare Advantage, Humana Medicare Advantage, Interplan PPO, TriWest, Anthem Blue Cross HMO, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Health Net PPO, Health Net HMO, Anthem, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare HMO, US Family Health Plan, Aetna Medicare PPO and CoventryFirst Health PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS accepts the following insurance providers:

Aetna PPO

Aetna HMO

CIGNA PPO

CIGNA HMO

Blue Shield of California

MultiPlan PPO

Medicare Advantage

Humana Medicare Advantage

Interplan PPO

TriWest

Anthem Blue Cross HMO

Anthem Blue Cross PPO

Health Net PPO

Health Net HMO

Anthem

United Healthcare PPO

United Healthcare HMO

US Family Health Plan

Aetna Medicare PPO

CoventryFirst Health PPO

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 514 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS from all over the web to help you find the right in SANTA MONICA, CA.

4.95

Overall Rating

(514 Ratings)

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Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-02-10

Patient verified via Press Ganey

I want to express my appreciation for the recent experience at Providence St. John in Santa Monica. I am lucky that I've been healthy and haven't had lots of interaction in the health services realm. I hear so many nightmares. And nobody is happy to receive a cancer diagnosis. After an initial Dr. Referral to another organization which led to long delays, several unreturned calls and a heap of bad attitude I was dubious and concerned. A friend recommended a Dr. At St. John's and from that moment I have had amazing experiences. The first call was seamless. I got an appointment quickly. The doc, Dr. Sean Fischer had gathered all the information needed and gave me nothing but confidence and quickly set up scans and tests and a referral to a surgeon in house, Dr. Richard Essner.Everything is on one big campus so you can park once and walk to the various buildings for appointments and tests. Everyone I encountered had an assigned and specific task and they accomplished it efficiently and offered the kind of information, scheduling and guidance that had been thought out from a patient's perspective. Even more impressive, every single person, from the voice answering the phone to the surgeon in the operating room embraced their job with an enthusiastic, supportive, adaptable and thoughtful demeanor. Not one sour attitude from anyone I encountered. Everyone cared. That is truly impressive and demonstrates a well managed and well-run program. And kudos for the care I received through tests and surgery and recovery. It was all of the highest order. Can't recommend this group and hospital highly enough.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-12-29

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Richard Essner, is a caring, dedicated professional medical specialist. His knowledge of oncology and melanoma treatment is premier in the United States. He is the best specialist in his field, and I am very blessed to be a patient of his. His staff is always friendly, professional, and dedicated just as he is. Everyone in the office from the receptionist, intake personnel to the assistants and nurses are all dedicated to the medical situation of the patient's physical well-being, but also to their mental, spititual and emotional state of health. The whole man is considered by Dr. Essner and his team. This is an exceptionally rare medical experience for a person battling cancer!

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-11-14

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Essner is by far the best Doctor I have ever had. He has THE BEST bedside manner obviously cares deeply about his patients, and it reflects in his care. Never have I felt as if I was just a patient, always felt as if he became a Doctor just to take care of me, and that tells you alot about the man, I was blessed when I was referred to him, and to Saint John's hospital. All the Doctors I have on my team there have been hand picked by the good Lord to take care of me and others that need help, I have, and continued to, tell any one and every one about Saint John's and the awsome staff there thank you from the bottom of my heart

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-07-09

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Essner and his team are the best. I drive from northern Santa Barbara County to partake of his and his team's tremendous care, and I moved, with him, to St. John's from Cedars. Now, all I need is to convince him to leave the city and come up here to the Santa Ynez Valley and practice up here! But I do agree with him when he says that St. John's offers a superior level of service and care to his patients than did Cedars Sinai. As long as he is there, and I require Dr. Essner's care, then I will continue to make the drive down to Santa Monica to see him (unless and/or until I can convince him to come up here...LOL!)

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-07-26

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Everything about saint john's was amazing and all the nurses and staff were very friendly and very informative and very respectful and patient with me..... The doctors and the surgeons came to my bedside often and asked me how I was doing as well.As informed of everything that was happening and was going to happen as well what happened already. I am very happy with my stay at saint john's and the treatment I received there. It was so good, I can't wait till I get hurt again so I can go back.Ha ha ha ha....

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-09-23

Patient verified via Press Ganey

This was a routine 6 month follow up appointment that morphed into the need for surgery. EVERYONE was helpful and accommodating as I had not anticipated such and event. EVERYONE went above and beyond to seek out an obtain the clearances I needed for the surgery, which occurred the day after my scheduled appointment. As I live 300 miles from the hospital every effort was made to accommodate me to avoid the necessity of having to return to the clinic. OR staff was wonderful and caring.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-03-05

Patient verified via Press Ganey

My regular visits are scheduled for Immunotherapy treatments as directed by Dr. Richard Essner. These visits frequently include Imaging studies, and/or Lab work. EVERY time I am seen or treated by the PSJ staff and professionals, I believe that I am receiving the finest available care from the kindest, most caring team there Is. Every three weeks, I drive 2 hours each way to be seen by this team, and I look forward to each and every visit!

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-06-28

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Essner is TRUE ASSET TO PROVIDENCE. He has a keen understanding of all of my medical needs including my melanoma. He is very very thorough and detailed in his explanations. He exemplifies all the qualities of what a true ideal doctor should be!! His PA or NP (I am forgetting her name) is also the BEST!! She is exceptionally skilled, delivers high quality care and deep knowledge!! It is rare to find a dynamic team like Dr. Essner's!!

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-01-13

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Excellent follow through on my condition as well as personal phone calls to me which were excellent (most of which were spontaneous to give me information). Basically, I never has to call Dr. Essner with a question as he called me spontaneously to give me answers to any issues that I even had yet to process. Dr. Essner is an extremely competent and thorough physician/surgeon.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-08-21

Patient verified via Press Ganey

My current doctor referred me to Dr Essner for a melanoma removal. My entire experience at your facility was wonderful. Everyone I came into contact treated me with respect and caring. In my opinion you have well trained, personable, comforting and caring staff and medical personnel. I felt as if they were truly concerned about my medical welfare. Thanks so much!

To see all 514 reviews for Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS, view their full profile.

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Richard Essner, MD, FACS. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Amgen Inc.	$13,438 IMLYGIC $2,054	$11,384
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation	$7,661 NON-PRODUCT $4,378	MK-3475 $1,757	INTRON A Oncology $1,212	KEYTRUDA $278	SYLATRON $18	Other $18
EMD Serono, Inc.	$3,943 Avelumab $3,943
Stryker Corporation	$896 SPY-PHI SYSTEM $896
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.	$577 OPDIVO $400	$177
Other	$2,112 Mektovi $264	KEYTRUDA $177	LYNPARZA $169	Trodelvy $126	Lenvima $102	Other $1,274

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$18,237
Travel and Lodging	$6,713
Food and Beverage	$3,558
Education	$119

Biography

Dr. Richard Essner practices surgical oncology (cancer surgery) in Santa Monica, CA. Patient reviews placed him at an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). Areas of expertise for Dr. Essner include bladder cancer, liposarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma. Anthem, Blue California, and HealthSmart seem to be the insurance carriers that Dr. Essner accepts. Dr. Essner studied medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at Jackson Memorial Medical Center and UNC Hospitals. He has received the following distinction: Southern California Super Doctors. He is professionally affiliated with Providence Saint John's Health Center and Cedars-Sinai. According to Doctor.com, new patients are welcome to contact his office in SANTA MONICA, CA.