Joaquin Hidalgo, MD
Specialties: Children's Neurosurgery, Adult Cranial Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery, Spinal Neurosurgery
Gender: Male
Biography: Dr. Joaquín Hidalgo is a board-certified neurosurgeon with extensive experience in cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerve procedures for both adult and pediatric patients. He graduated summa cum laude from medical school in Venezuela before moving to the United States to complete neurosurgical training at the University of Mississippi, followed by advanced fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University.
With expertise in complex spine, skull base, and peripheral nerve conditions, Dr. Hidalgo is committed to providing personalized care. He carefully evaluates both surgical and non-surgical options to determine the most effective treatment plan for each patient—always prioritizing safety, comfort, and long-term recovery.
He specializes in minimally invasive techniques for spinal and skull base disorders, offering patients faster recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. His approach leverages the latest advancements in neurosurgery, allowing for precision treatment with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
A strong advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Hidalgo works closely with a team of specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes. His academic interests include cadaveric skull base dissections and spine quality improvement and outcomes, reflecting his commitment to both clinical excellence and advancing the field of neurosurgery through research and education.
My Approach to Healthcare
I am interested in treating debilitating adult and pediatric surgical neurological conditions with state-of-the-art techniques and conservative alternatives when possible.
Practice Locations
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1
Children's of Mississippi Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216 View Location |
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2
UMMC Medical Pavilion
2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216 View Location |
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3
University Hospital - UMMC
2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216 View Location |
Accepted Insurance Plans
The University of Mississippi Medical Center accepts all plans, but may not be an in-network provider with your plan. We encourage you to contact your insurer and ask if the plan is in network with UMMC. Always contact your insurance carrier for specific coverage information.
Network Participation - 2026
MississippiCAN and CHIP [Managed Care programs promulgated by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid]
- Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, Inc.
- Magnolia Health (Centene)
- TrueCare
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace [Individual plans offered on healthcare.gov]
- Ambetter from Magnolia Health (Centene)
- Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, Inc.
- UHC Marketplace (Madison only)
Medicare Advantage
- Devoted Health Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP
- HealthSpring Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP
- Humana: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP, ISNP
- United Healthcare Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP, ISNP
- WellCare (Centene) Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP
Commercial - Group and Individual
- Aetna Plans: PPO, HMO [Includes all facilities except UMMC Madison]
- BCBSMS Plans: BlueCardPPO, State Health Plan (AHS), Federal Employee Plan (FEP)
- Cigna Plans: PPO, HMO
- United Healthcare Plans: PPO, HMO (Includes plans administered by UMR, UnitedHealth Group's wholly owned third-party administrator (TPA) subsidiary)
Transplant Only Networks
- Optum Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, VAD
- Emerging Therapy Solutions (ETS) Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T, VAD
- Interlink Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T
- Celtic Plans: Ambetter, WellCare, Magnolia Health MississippiCAN, Magnolia Health CHIP • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT
- Cigna Lifesource Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T, VAD
Dental
- Avesis Plan: MississippiCAN and CHIP (TrueCare)
- Always Care/Unum Plan: Commercial
Vision
- Avesis Plan: MississippiCAN and CHIP (TrueCare)
- Always Care/Unum Plan: Commercial
Rental Networks (Utilized by self-funded employer group plans and third-party administrators (TPAs))
- Mississippi Physicians Care Network (MPCN) [If MPCN is present on a Member/Subscriber ID, all UMMC facilities and providers are in-network regardless of TPA.]
- First Choice Health Plan
- Claritev (formerly Multiplan)
- Zelis
Government Programs
- Humana Military Plan: Tricare
- United Healthcare Plan: Veterans Affairs Community Care Networks
Plans and Payors UMMC is not in-network with as of April 1, 2026
- Oscar Health Plan: ACA Marketplace [Final negotiations taking place now. Anticipate in-network participation, effective June 1, 2026.]
- Cigna (Connect EPO) Plan: ACA Marketplace
- American Health Advantage Plan: Medicare Advantage
- Patrius Health (BCBSMS) Plan: Medicare Advantage
- Aetna Plan: Medicare Advantage
Education
| Board Certification: | Neurological Surgery |
| Medical Education: | Universidad del Zulia |
Experience
Current Positions
| Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, University o Mississippi Medical Center | 07/2023 - Present |
Specialty Certification Licensure
| Licensure, Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure | 06/2019 - Present |
| Certification, ECFMG | 03/2012 - Present |
| Certification, Neurological Surgeon, American Board of Neurological Surgeons | 05/2022 - Present |
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
| Outstanding International Fellow Award, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | 2019 |
| Summa-Cum-Laude, La Universidad del Zulia | 2010 |
| Valedictorian. School of Medicine, class of 2003, La Universidad del Zulia | 2010 |
| Valedictorian. Bachelor's in science High School, Class of 2003, Unidad Educativa Colegio San Vicente de Paul | 2003 |