Diagnosing Ventral Hernia? What tests should a doctor preform?

A rectus diastasis is simply separation of the rectus abdominis muscles away from the midline- the 'bridge' between the two muscle bundles is a thin band of connective tissue which can bulge. This is not a true hernia, since there is no 'hole' in the connective tissue of the abdominal wall. Such a hole can allow abdominal contents (fat, bowel etc) and  to enter- this is a hernia sac. The contents of a hernia sac can be entrapped, strangulated, or can just progressively enlarge over time. A rectus diastasis poses no risk of entrapment, and is therefore not considered a diagnosis covered by insurance companies.

Mr. Glass

The best way to diagnose a ventral hernia is through physical exam.  The surgeon can feel the edges of the ventral fascial defect.  Another way to make this diagnosis is through a CT or MRI scan of the abdomen - demonstrating a herniaton of abdominal contents through the ventral fascia.