A method and apparatus for minimizing disruption during a frequency search excursion to a target frequency. The method may be preformed as part of inter-frequency hard-handoff between cells on different RF CDMA channels. The method minimizes search times by tuning a selected mobile station (102) to a target frequency and collecting chip samples which are then stored in a buffer (207). Pilot searches and pilot strength measurements are not performed while on the target frequency. The selected mobile station (102) is tuned back to the original frequency and simultaneously resumes reception of forward link and transmission of reverse link communications. The chip samples collected on the target frequency are processed to calculate pilot strength. In another embodiment, the method minimizes disruption of service on the current frequency during the frequency search by increasing the amount of power allocated to other symbols contained in a data frame impacted by the search excursion. This power increase is a function of search excursion time.