Dr. Craig Hornbarger, MD

He was very thorough and attentive to my issue. I have two hernias, one on each side in my groin area. Dr. Hornbarger was the second surgeon I was referred to and I wish he would have been the first! It was night and day; he took the time to reassure me about the procedure, recovery, potential complications and he gave me a lot of information. Not once did he make me feel like I was taking up his time, in fact he made me feel very comfortable and also answered all the questions my wife had as well. I am scheduled for surgery next month and I am a little nervous, but only because I'm having surgery, not because I am worried about the ability of Dr. Hornbarger. I'm 71 years old and have had these hernias for years; it has only been in the last year that one has continued to give me problems and the other side is beginning to. I'll be grateful when the surgery is done.

Experience with Dr. Hornbarger, staff, & facilities was great. Better in all areas vs. an earlier robotic inguinal surgery with another doc & hospital. The EARLIER surgical repair was for bilateral inguinal hernias, one very large. The latter repair failed within 2 days and probably should not have been attempted laproscopically. I was worried. Then saw Dr. Hornbarger who was empathetic, candid, & reassuring that he could do the proper repair using a fully 'open' non-laproscopic procedure. 5.5' incision. Surgery scheduling was prompt & flexible. Pre-op screening efficient. Day-of pre-op had all the relevant staff stopping by to talk & reassure prior. Surgery effective & did the job. Day-of recovery done well with prompt discharge & with 3 followup, next day calls from different RNs. All these areas seemed a cut above my prior experience. Surgery center lobby has big pennant asserting that they are the premier robotic surgery center in CO. I can believe it. In-office followups Aplus.

Dr. Hornbarger did a great job for my significant hernia surgery in every way: Timing - he had a cancellation and got me in the schedule only 2 days later.Relationship - doc spent 30 minutes explaining the procedures, building confidence and addressing potential concerns. Low-key and easy going, without big ego.Surgery - took 90 minutes, including the use of robotic technology. Dr. H said he was working from a computer screen approx. 75% of the surgery time. Very impressive indeed!!! He also introduced a 2nd doctor helping during the surgery.Doctor visit 3 weeks post-surgery - very little remaining tenderness. Wonderful and unbelievable. We spent most of the time discussing camping, travel and some politics! What more could you ask for from the surgeon?

My hernia surgery followed closely after my knee replacement so I was a bit apprehensive. Thanks to Dr. Hornbarger's calming manner and skill utilizing robotic surgery, the surgery was everything I could have hoped for. He and his entire staff are amazing.

I was recommended to Dr. Hornbarger by a friend and my doctor's office. The first time I met him went well - he took time to hear what my symptoms were, and reviewed my hospital records. His staff were also very nice and personable. I definitely recommend this doctor and his office. I was able to schedule my surgery in a timely manner and all is going well since the surgery, three weeks ago.

I do want to say first that I have not had surgery with Dr. Hornbarger. I had a consultation for a small umbilical hernia. He may be a great surgeon. I was completely humiliated by him during the appointment. My hernia is very small .3 cm. But as a 67 yo who has never had a hernia, I was concerned with the sensitivity to the touch or when pressing on it. At minimum I wanted a professional opinion to let me know if should or should NOT be concerned. I had to wait for Dr Hornbarger for 1 hour, which unfortunately is not unusual. He did not apologize for his delay, instead said: "OK, you have a small hernia, let me look at it". And then he drove his finger right under my belly button. I jumped back a foot or so. He started laughing and asked me: Are you kidding? Did that hurt? When I asked is it going to get bigger? What will happen if I ignore it? He responded, If I had a crystal ball I would be in Las Vegas, not here! and laughed. Not the medical opinion I went in for. Expensive joke!

Absolutely first-rate. He is empathetic, caring and clearly highly skilled as a surgeon. He and the nursing staff were all terrific.

I work with Dr. Hornbarger in the operating room. He is a fantastic surgeon and always willing to share is expertise. I'm choosing him to do my surgery. He has great people skills.

The Dr did a good job!

Punctually on time. Gracious. Obviously knowledgeable. Took his time - did not rush me. Inspired confidence.

Dr. Hornbarger and his staff, as well as the operating room staff, were wonderful. The doctors was very informative. My surgery and recovery went well. Beautiful hospital and I felt very safe even though I had to have surgery during Covid. Would highly recommend.

Dr Hornbarger and his staff were great. Having had surgery from him in the past for gall bladder and a hernia, all went very well. He’s personable and makes you feel at ease. I feel fortunate to have found him.

Unknown to me until after my surgery, Dr. Hornbarger used a subcontractor as a surgical assistant that is not within network for my insurance. I am now receiving bills directly from them. His office has told me that this comes up often and I should appeal to my insurance. The fact his office states that this comes up often for them raises concerns to me so I would be very wary if you are planning a procedure with them. I have received very little support or help from his CU Health practice or the CU Health Highlands Ranch Hospital.

On June 19, 2019, my husband was in surgery with Dr Hornbarger, as his surgeon, to remove to remove my husband’s gallbladder. Dr Hornbarger nicked the bile duct and bruised the hepatic artery. After the surgery Dr Hornbarger told my husband “you’ve been hit by a Mack truck named Hornbarger.” As a DIRECT result of that surgery my husband has had at least six ER/ICU stays, about eight hospital week long stays, seven blood transfusions, and two near death episodes. Because of all the hospital/ER/ICU stays, he has been pumped with about 50 lbs of fluids resulting in horrific edema. He was 200 lbs at the time of surgery (he’s 6 feet tall) and is currently BACK in the hospital being treated for the edema. He now weighs 162 lbs with about 15 more pounds of fluid to lose. The road to recovery will be a long and hard one for my husband as he has lost so much strength, weight and muscle mass. The emotional and psychological damage done to us both throughout this nightmare has been severe.

I wish he had followed up after surgery with my husband. Dr Hornbarger’s bedside manner with me was less than desired.

13 years ago I had a left inguinal hernia repair. Never had a problem with the surgery.

Terrible interaction in ER setting, condescending and used culturally inappropriate language when referring to my primary Doctor. Was sent home only to return days later to have an appendectomy. Silver lining is the surgeon who ultimately performed the procedure was not only a great surgeon, but also had the level of caring and thoughtful analysis that all patients deserve.

I appreciate Dr Hornbarger straight forward communication. He makes his patients feel very confident in him and that reduces makes everyone comfortable. I trust him and lucky he performed my surgery. 72 hours after the surgery I felt normal and had to force myself to relax and heal. His office staff answered all my questions and called me back within 120 minutes.

Had surgery less than a year ago. It seemed as though the process went well but I started to experience some pain around my bellybutton. I made an appointment, showed up and realized my insurance provider had changed. I brought this to the attention of the gal at the front desk who then informed me that Aetna wasn't an insurance company they worked with and I needed to pay 120.00 for the office visit. The doctor never stepped out or said anything! What about the oath they take to HELP a patient