Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA is in Prince Frederick, MD specializing in spine surgery and neurosurgery. Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, MedStar Health, MGMC LLC and MedStar St. Mary s Hospital.
MedStar St. Mary s Hospital
Hydrocephalus
Normally, the brain is bathed in a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions and nurtures the brain cells as it flows around and through the brain. Sometimes, cerebrospinal fluid does not get reabsorbed into the body properly, or a blockage in the brain can stop it from flowing. This causes a buildup of pressure called hydrocephalus. This condition affects a wide range of people, but it is much more prevalent among infants and older adults. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and blurred vision, and eventually may cause brain damage.
Hydrocephalus is most often treated with an implanted device called a shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube that is used to drain excess fluid. One end is placed within the brain. The tube runs under the skin, along the neck behind the ear, and to another part of the body where the fluid can be reabsorbed. Most often this is the abdomen, but the chest or other areas can also be used. Shunts have a valve that allows doctors to monitor and control the pressure within the brain. Insertion of a shunt is a surgical procedure that takes one to two hours. Incisions are made in the head and the abdomen, and the shunt is threaded into place before the openings are stitched closed.
In cases where hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage, a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or ETV, may be performed. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a dime-sized hole in the skull and uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) to see inside the brain. The surgeon punctures a hole in the floor of the third ventricle, a fluid-filled space within the brain. The hole provides an opening for cerebrospinal fluid to flow around the blockage, normalizing pressure. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and patients can often go home the following day. ETV can provide a permanent and safe alternative to a shunt, but it is only useful for patients whose hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
If conservative treatment options and other spine surgeries have failed to provide someone pain relief, they may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment for chronic back or leg pain. A spinal cord stimulator, which is surgically implanted underneath the skin (subcutaneously), can deliver electrical pulses to the area of pain. These pulses will reach the brain before the pain signals can, so instead of pain, patients will experience a tingling sensation.
To determine if spinal cord stimulation may benefit someone, they will first undergo a trial period. During this period, a temporary electrode lead is placed subcutaneously above the spinal cord, and it is connected to an external stimulator that they will carry with them. The procedure is typically completed within an hour, and patients may return home the same day. After a few days or weeks, the trial stimulator will be assessed for effectiveness. If the trial is unsuccessful, patients may undergo a second trial period, or the leads will be removed, and other treatment options will be considered. If, instead, a patient's pain is relieved during the trial, they will undergo surgery for implantation of a permanent stimulator and leads.
The components of a spinal cord stimulation system include the stimulator, the leads, and the wire that connects the two. Implantation of permanent leads may be percutaneous (through the skin) or involve a surgical incision. The spinal cord stimulator is implanted subcutaneously in the abdomen or buttock. The stimulator is battery-powered and may be rechargeable. If the battery is not rechargeable, it will last around 2-5 years, and a patient will need surgery to replace it.Their doctor will program the neurostimulator following the procedure.
After spinal cord stimulator surgery, patients may be released from the hospital the same day or the next one. In the weeks following the operation, patients will need to work with their doctors to find the optimal settings for their neurostimulator. Activities such as driving, twisting, bending, raising one's arms, sleeping on one's stomach, or lifting heavy objects should be limited.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to permanently join together two or more vertebrae, the bones in the spine. Certain spinal disorders can lead to instability and pain, and the idea behind spinal fusion is that fusing vertebrae together can both make them stronger and reduce motion, which can sometimes reduce pain.
There are several different types of spinal fusion surgery available, mostly depending on where a patient's pain is located and whether his or her surgeon will perform the procedure through the back, front, or side. In general, a fusion is performed by packing the vertebrae to be fused with grafted bone. This bone may be taken from the patient's hip, may be donated from a cadaver, or it may be a manufactured synthetic material. The bone is placed along the vertebrae, and sometimes, the disc that lies in between the vertebrae is removed and replaced with grafted bone. The bone material will grow and cement the two vertebrae together. After the bone graft is placed, the vertebrae are sometimes held in place with rods, screws, plates, or cages, depending on the weakness of the spine and needs of the graft.
Spinal fusion is a significant surgery and can take three to four hours or more. Recovery is typically two to four days in the hospital. After surgery, it is important to remember that the fusion takes time to grow from the bone graft. So, the actual fusion is not complete for several months. Patients will probably feel somewhat better right away, but it may take a while to feel the full effects of the fusion as the bone grows into place. In the meantime, doctors might have patients wear a brace to protect their spine and keep it properly aligned.
Spinal fusion is not used for all kinds of back pain. Changing the way the spine moves can lead to strain on the other joints in the back, and fusion is only performed when the benefits outweigh the risks. Some spine disorders that are treated with fusion include:
Regardless of the diagnosis, there is always a possibility of 'failure' with spinal fusion, or of the surgery not fully solving the pain. This is more likely when fusion is used primarily to treat pain instead of structural problems. Patients can improve their chances of a successful outcome by stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moving their body every day, and following their doctor's instructions for any physical therapy that they are prescribed.
The top procedures that Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA treated as in Prince Frederick, MD during 2012 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures, decompression surgery and neck surgery.
Volume of procedures performed by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA for Medicare patients.
| arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery) | 22 |
|---|---|
| decompression surgery | 39 |
| neck surgery | 22 |
| nerve procedures | 39 |
| spinal procedures | 56 |
The top procedures that Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA treated as in Prince Frederick, MD during 2013 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures, decompression surgery and neck surgery.
Volume of procedures performed by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA for Medicare patients.
| arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery) | 41 |
|---|---|
| decompression surgery | 67 |
| neck surgery | 41 |
| nerve procedures | 67 |
| spinal procedures | 98 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA.
| Male | |
|---|---|
| Female |
| Non-Hispanic White | |
|---|---|
| Black | |
| Hispanic | |
| Asian | |
| Other | |
| Native American |
| From 65 to 74 | |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | |
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 |
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
The top procedures that Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA treated as in Prince Frederick, MD during 2014 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures, decompression surgery and neck surgery.
Volume of procedures performed by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA for Medicare patients.
| arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery) | 51 |
|---|---|
| decompression surgery | 74 |
| neck surgery | 51 |
| nerve procedures | 74 |
| spinal procedures | 123 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA.
| Male | |
|---|---|
| Female |
| Non-Hispanic White | |
|---|---|
| Black | |
| Hispanic | |
| Asian | |
| Other | |
| Native American |
| From 65 to 74 | |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | |
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 |
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA.
| Male | |
|---|---|
| Female |
| From 65 to 74 | |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | |
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 |
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
The top procedures that Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA treated as in Prince Frederick, MD during 2016 were hospital care and inpatient care.
Volume of procedures performed by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA for Medicare patients.
| hospital care | 95 |
|---|---|
| inpatient care | 95 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA.
| Male | |
|---|---|
| Female |
| Non-Hispanic White | |
|---|---|
| Black | |
| Hispanic | |
| Asian | |
| Other | |
| Native American |
| From 65 to 74 | |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | |
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 |
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
The top procedures that Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA treated as in Prince Frederick, MD during 2017 were hospital care, inpatient care and catheterization.
Volume of procedures performed by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA for Medicare patients.
| catheterization | 12 |
|---|---|
| hospital care | 40 |
| inpatient care | 40 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA.
| Male | |
|---|---|
| Female |
| Non-Hispanic White | |
|---|---|
| Black | |
| Hispanic | |
| Asian | |
| Other | |
| Native American |
| From 65 to 74 | |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | |
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 |
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
Volume of procedures performed by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA for Medicare patients.
The highest averages for the top procedures that Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA treated as in Prince Frederick, MD were spinal procedures, hospital care, inpatient care and nerve procedures.
| arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery) | 38 |
|---|---|
| catheterization | 12 |
| decompression surgery | 60 |
| hospital care | 67 |
| inpatient care | 67 |
| neck surgery | 38 |
| nerve procedures | 60 |
| spinal procedures | 92 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA.
| Male | |
|---|---|
| Female |
| Black / African American | |
|---|---|
| Asian / Pacific Islander | |
| Non-Hispanic White | |
| Native American / Alaskan Native | |
| Hispanic | |
| Other |
| 75 to 84 | |
|---|---|
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 | |
| 65 to 74 |
The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoporosis | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Atrial Fibrillation | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
She is certified by the Board Certification: National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Board Certification: Board Certification: National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants
Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA appears to accept the following insurance providers: MultiPlan, Optimum Choice, Optima Health, MAMSI, Magellan Health Services, United Healthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare Choice, First Health PPO, Blue Choice, Great-West Healthcare, TRICARE, Coventry, TRICARE Reserve Select, Anthem, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Beech Street PPO, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, Aetna Medicare PFFS, CIGNA Indemnity, AmeriHealth, AARP, Medicare Advantage, TriWest, Coventry National Network PPO, Highmark, Amerigroup, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Sentara Health Plans, WellPoint, United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice), Humana Medicare Advantage PPO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, CIGNA PPO Plus, HealthyBlue PPO, Aetna Premier 200PD, MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, CareFirst NASCO, M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO, IH-PPO, Aetna Advantage 6350PD, DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans, CareFirst EPO, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS), Medicare Direct, OCI Direct (HMO), Alterwood Advanatge HMO & DSNP Plans, Aetna Open Choice (PPO), OA Plus, CareFirst Administrators, United Student Resources, IH-Network Only Plus, IH-POS, Aetna Classic 5000, Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA, Healthy Blue (HMO, POS), CareFirst Community Health Plan of Maryland, IH-POS Plus, Jai Medical Systems - Maryland Health Choice, Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA, CareFirst Maryland Point of Service Plan, Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Choice POS II, CareFirst Blue Card Program, Choice Fund PPO, IH-EPO Plus, Aetna VA Exchange, Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS), CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced, Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Aetna Worker's Compensation Network, Options PPO Cardiac Global, Uniformed Services Family Health Plan, Aetna Advantage 5750, IH-Open HMO Option, HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO, Aetna Basic, CareFirst FEP Blue Focus, Optimum Choice & Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) Cardiac Global, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance, IH-Open POS Plus, Core Essential (HMO), IH-Open EPO Plus, Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PLUS PPO, Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network, MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global, CareFirst Blue Preferred PPO, Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS), IH-Open HMO, Aetna Advantage 6350, M.D. IPA (HMO), Erickson Advantage Plans, Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund), POS OA, Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS), IH-Open POS II, Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO, Aetna Classic 5000PD, CareFirst Dual Prime HMO-SNP, Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice, Aetna Student Health Insurance, Private Health Care Systems (PPO), Choice POS, Lasso Healthcare - Medicare Medical Savings Account, IH-Indemnity, CareFirst MedStar PPO, CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity, Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO), United Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, IH-HMO, IH-Open Network Only Plus, HumanaChoice PPO, CareFirst Federal Employee Program (Std. & Basic PPO), Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PPO, Medicare FFS, Maryland Physicians Care MCO, Veterans Affairs Community Care Network, Advantra Platinum (PPO), Aetna Better Health of Maryland, BCBS Out-of-State Medicare Plans (Blue Advantage), Choice POS II Open Access, Employee Health Plan, Navigate, Police and Fire Clinic, Network OA, Aetna Classic 3500 and CareFirst MedStar Select PPO.
According to our sources, Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA accepts the following insurance providers:
Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 237 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA from all over the web to help you find the right in Prince Frederick, MD.
These charts describe general payments received by Mrs. Heather L. Beck, PA. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$112
ExcelsiusGPS Robotic Navigation System $112 |
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$23
BARRICAID ACD (ANNULAR CLOSURE DEVICE) $23 |
| $135 |
Ms. Heather Beck practices spine surgery and neurosurgery in Clinton, MD, Chevy Chase, MD, and Prince Frederick, MD. Ms. Beck is rated highly by her patients. Her areas of expertise include the following: prostate problems, deformity correction, and hemifacial spasm. Her hospital/clinic affiliations include MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. She most likely takes Anthem, Blue California, and Coventry, as well as other insurance carriers. Her practice in Prince Frederick, MD is open to new patients as reported by Doctor.com.
