Dr. Harding is Board Certified in General Surgery and specializes in minimally invasive surgery for a variety of medical conditions and disorders. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery generally experience less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and a faster recovery time. Dr. Harding also provides open surgical solutions for those conditions that require traditional surgery. He is committed to delivering the highest quality and latest advances in surgical care for his patients. Dr. Harding specializes in Endocrine, Thyroid, Abdominal and Hernia procedures.

Board certified surgeons have passed extensive training and a rigorous examination of their knowledge, experience and skill in a medical specialty. To maintain their board certification, surgeons must actively improve their practice of medicine through continuing education, and pass a written examination every 10 years. The American Board of Surgery (ABS) serves patients, society, and the specialty of surgery by providing leadership in surgical education and practice. The ABS ensures excellence through: Building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. Rigorous evaluation and assessment. Promoting the highest standards for professionalism, lifelong learning, and continuous certification of surgeons in practice.

The letters F.A.C.S. stand for "Fellow, American College of Surgeons." When this designation appears after a surgeon's name it indicates that the surgeon's education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the American College of Surgeons. The FACS credential exists to foster the professional growth and development of surgeons, promote high standards and best practices in surgical care, and establish and maintain patients’ confidence in the ability and integrity of their surgeon. Conferred on surgeons who meet specific academic and practice requirements, the FACS credential can only be used by Fellows in good standing with the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The FACS credential is not an honor that should be discarded lightly. The designation is the exclusive intellectual property of the ACS.

Self pay required for appointments Dr. Harding is an Out-of-Network (OON) provider. As such, all in-office consultations, visits, and related services are self-pay only and must be paid by the patient at the time of the appointment. Insurance is not billed for office visits Insurance will not cover nor be billed for in-office consultations, visits, and/or related services. ​ Only surgical procedures are eligible for insurance billing and will be processed accordingly.

We welcome new patients. Request appointment online at https://www.azendosurg.com/apointment PLEASE NOTE: You can suggest a preferred date & time. Submitting an appointment request through this page allows you to suggest a preferred date and time for your appointment. Submitting an appointment request does not guarantee a scheduled visit. Your appointment is only confirmed once you receive an email from our office with the approved date and time. Your appointment is not scheduled until you receive a direct confirmation from our office via email.This process ensures that we can accommodate your needs while maintaining accurate scheduling. Dr. Harding is an Out-of-Network (OON) provider. As such, all in-office consultations, visits, and related services are self-pay only and must be paid by the patient at the time of the appointment. Insurance is not billed for office visits Insurance will not cover nor be billed for in-office consultations, visits, and/or related services.​Only surgical procedures are eligible for insurance billing and will be processed accordingly.

To request an appointment online go to https://www.azendosurg.com/apointment You can suggest a preferred date & time. Submitting an appointment request through this page allows you to suggest a preferred date and time for your appointment. Submitting an appointment request does not guarantee a scheduled visit. Your appointment is only confirmed once you receive an email from our office with the approved date and time. Your appointment is not scheduled until you receive a direct confirmation from our office via email. This process ensures that we can accommodate your needs while maintaining accurate scheduling. PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Harding is an Out-of-Network (OON) provider. As such, all in-office consultations, visits, and related services are self-pay only and must be paid by the patient at the time of the appointment. Insurance is not billed for office visits Insurance will not cover nor be billed for in-office consultations, visits, and/or related services. ​Only surgical procedures are eligible for insurance billing and will be processed accordingly.

We are at 2320 N. Third Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 - Link to Google maps

Our office hours when staff is available are Monday through Thursday, 7:30am to 4:30pm Friday, 7:30am to 4pm. Lunch is taken daily from 12pm to 1pm. To request an appointment, go to https://www.azendosurg.com/apointment This page will show the next available appointment day for you to request a time. Your appointment request is not confirmed until you receive a response CONFIRMING the day and time of your appointment. Once you have a confirmed appointment scheduled with Dr. Harding, you can access the forms and consents in the Patient Portal at https://www.azendosurg.com/patientportal

If your condition can be managed with medication or monitoring, you’ll likely see an endocrinologist. If surgery is needed, your endocrinologist may refer you to an endocrine surgeon for specialized care. Dr. Richard Harding is a board-certified endocrine surgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal disorders. Unlike an endocrinologist—who manages hormonal conditions through medical therapy—Dr. Harding focuses on patients who require operative intervention, often referred by endocrinologists for conditions such as thyroid nodules, hyperparathyroidism, or adrenal tumors. With over 30 years of surgical experience, he collaborates closely with referring endocrinologists to ensure seamless, patient-centered care from diagnosis through recovery.

You may have heard of an endocrinologist, especially if you have an endocrine condition such as diabetes or a thyroid disease. But what exactly is an endocrine surgeon, and how are they different from endocrinologists? Endocrinologists are medical doctors specializing in the endocrine system, which is responsible for the body’s hormone production, impacting some of your most basic functions. Hormones affect not just your mood, but also your metabolism, digestion, heart rate, blood sugar, blood pressure, stress response, calcium levels and more. Endocrine surgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of endocrine conditions. They may be involved in the removal of diseased glands or lymph nodes. They may also be part of your care team if you’ve been diagnosed with a form of endocrine cancer or a tumor. Those types of cancers include thyroid cancer, parathyroid cancer, adrenal cancer, or tumors affecting the endocrine system. Your endocrinologist can help diagnose and treat your condition using lifestyle changes and medicine. But if your condition requires further intervention, they may refer you to an endocrine surgeon. Endocrine surgeons perform surgeries such as: Thyroidectomy: A thyroidectomy involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland due to thyroid cancer, nodules, tumors, hyperthyroidism or other thyroid conditions. Neck Dissections: Occasionally thyroid cancers can spread outside of the thyroid gland into the lymph node compartments within the neck. This requires a more specialized procedure to excise lymph nodes within the affected areas in addition to a thyroidectomy. Adrenalectomy: The adrenal glands are located just above your kidneys and you may have one or both of them removed if you’ve been diagnosed with adrenal cancer, a tumor or another adrenal condition. Parathyroidectomy: Your parathyroid glands produce hormones to regulate the calcium in your body. You may need to have one or more of your parathyroid glands removed if you have a growth or condition where too much calcium is produced. Depending on your condition, an endocrine surgeon can be a vital part of your treatment plan. They typically work closely with your endocrinologist to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery and what type of procedure will benefit you the most. Dr. Harding specializes in endocrine surgery and can help provide you with treatment options to give you the best possible outcome in collaboration with your endocrinologist or oncologist.

At Arizona Endocrine Surgery (AES), Ultrasound Localization and Biopsy Capability refer to the advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques utilized by Dr. Richard Harding, a Board Certified Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Utilizing high-resolution ultrasound technology, this method allows for precise identification and localization of abnormalities in endocrine tissues such as the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. By pinpointing the exact location of these abnormalities, Dr. Harding can perform minimally invasive biopsies to obtain tissue samples for further analysis. This capability is crucial in diagnosing conditions like tumors, cysts, and other endocrine disorders with improved accuracy and reduced risk, ensuring a higher standard of care and better outcomes for patients.

Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy (MIP) is a specialized surgical procedure designed to remove hyperactive parathyroid glands through a smaller incision than traditional surgery. At Arizona Endocrine Surgery (AES), Dr. Richard Harding, a Board Certified Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, performs this procedure using advanced techniques to ensure precision and safety. MIP is ideal for patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism—a condition where one or more parathyroid glands produce excessive hormone leading to elevated calcium levels in the blood. The benefits of MIP include a shorter recovery time, reduced scarring, and minimal postoperative discomfort. At AES, our commitment to minimally invasive surgery signifies our dedication to providing effective yet least invasive solutions to endocrine disorders, prioritizing patient outcomes and quality of life.

A Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to investigate lumps or masses, particularly in the thyroid, parathyroid, and other endocrine glands. At Arizona Endocrine Surgery (AES), Dr. Richard Harding, a Board Certified Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, performs FNAs to accurately diagnose conditions without the need for more invasive surgery. During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the mass, and a small sample of cells is extracted for examination under a microscope. This quick and relatively painless procedure helps in the early detection and treatment planning for various endocrine disorders, ensuring our patients receive precise and efficient care.

A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the body for further examination, usually to diagnose or rule out medical conditions like cancer or other abnormalities. At Arizona Endocrine Surgery (AES), Dr. Richard Harding, a Board-Certified Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, performs biopsies as part of his comprehensive endocrine and minimally invasive surgical services. The procedure is typically recommended when imaging or blood tests have shown abnormal results, and acquiring tissue samples is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Under Dr. Harding's expert care, the procedure is performed with precision and a focus on patient comfort, ensuring you receive the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

CellFX nsPFA, which stands for Nano-Pulse Stimulation (nsPFA), is an advanced technology utilized in medical treatments to target and eliminate problematic cells with precision. At Arizona Endocrine Surgery, we leverage this innovative technique primarily for the removal of thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancer, and other endocrine-related growths. Dr. Richard Harding, our board-certified surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, employs CellFX nsPFA to ensure minimally invasive procedures that prioritize patient comfort and quick recovery. The technology works by delivering ultra-short electrical pulses to the targeted cells, sparing the surrounding healthy tissue and resulting in fewer complications and faster healing times for our patients. This method aligns with our commitment to cutting-edge, minimally invasive endocrine surgery.

Where your surgery takes place depends on the type of surgery. Relatively minor procedures can be done at the doctor's office to save you the time and expense involved in a hospital visit. Major surgery is usually done in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. For your convenience, Dr. Harding practices at many of the area’s hospitals and surgery centers. Dignity St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center Located between N. 7th Ave. & N.Central Ave. 350 W. Thomas Road Phoenix, AZ 85013 St. Joseph's Outpatient Surgery Center Located between N. 7th Ave. & N.Central Ave. 240 W. Thomas Road Phoenix, AZ 85013 Banner University Medical Center Located between N. 10th St. & N. 12th St. 1111 E. McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85036 Banner Atlas Surgical Center Located between N. 10th St. & N. 12th St. 1111 E. McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85036 Banner Desert Medical Center 1400 Dobson Road Mesa, AZ 85202