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Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD

Claimed Profile
Accepting New Patients
Specializes in: Neurosurgery
University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine (1991)
Professional interests include: deep brain stimulation (DBS), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion, neuroendoscopy, and more.
3800 Reservoir Road, NW Pasquerilla Healthcare Center, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20007

Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD is a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC specializing in neurosurgery. He graduated from University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine in 1991 and has 35 years of experience. Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Sentara Health, MedStar Health and MGMC LLC.

View Doctor's Full Profile (202) 295-0540

Office Locations

3800 Reservoir Road, NW Pasquerilla Healthcare Center, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20007
open_in_new

Sentara Health

8230 Boone Boulevard Suite 360
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 748-1000
(703) 748-1010
open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD can help you with:

Heart Problems

The heart is one of the most important organs in the body. This smooth muscle expands and contracts rhythmically an entire lifetime, pumping blood to the lungs and then to every other cell in the body. When heart problems occur, it becomes difficult for the body to get the nutrients and oxygen it needs via the blood. So while there are a variety of illnesses and disorders that affect the heart, most of them cause weakness, exhaustion and shortness of breath. The most common heart conditions include heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, and valve disorders.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. This includes coronary artery disease, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Some conditions, such as genetics, cannot be controlled. But there are many other things one can do to lower their risk for heart disease. Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing or stopping smoking, exercising more and losing weight if needed, and eating a diet low in sodium can all protect the heart.

Angina is a squeezing type of chest pain that happens when the muscles around the heart don't get enough oxygen. It can be regular or infrequent. Usually, angina is caused by coronary heart disease. However, not all chest pain is angina. Chest pain can also be caused by a lung infection or panic attack, for example, so it is important to have any sudden pain checked.

Arrhythmia is the word for when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly with skipped beats. It can feel frightening, and depending on the type it can be dangerous, but in most cases arrhythmia is not serious and can be treated. It is very common, especially in older adults.

Heart valve problems can happen in any one of the the heart's four valves that keep blood flowing where it needs to go. Babies can be born with problems in their heart valves, or valves can be damaged by infections. The valves can stiffen and become less mobile, or they can stop closing properly and 'leak' when the heart beats. Valve problems can usually be repaired surgically.

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 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:

  • Curvature disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spondylolisthesis, a disorder that causes vertebrae to slip over each other
  • Significant spinal fractures that cause instability
  • Weakened spine due to infection or tumor
  • Some cases of spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column
  • Chronic lower back pain (although the use of fusion to treat this is controversial)

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.

In The News 

“Surgery was performed by Dr. Joseph Watson, a neurosurgeon, to stabilize the area, hospital officials said.”—"Doctors say outlook 'very good' for Landra Reid as she recovers from neck surgery", Las Vegas Review-Journal, March 2010

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 25%

By Volume:

inpatient hospital care

In 2012, Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD performed more inpatient hospital care (for patient admitted to hospital) procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of providers in related specialties within District of Columbia.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2012 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 203
hospital care 158
inpatient care 158

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2013 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 35
hospital care 18
inpatient care 18

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 28
Female 44
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 57
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 23
From 75 to 84 26
85 and over 12
Less than 65 11

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2013

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 63
Stroke 24
Ischemic Heart Disease 38
Depression 26
Chronic Kidney Disease 24
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 17
Heart Failure 28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 25
Diabetes 35
Dementia 21
Cancer 19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2014 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care 112
inpatient care 112

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 51
Female 36
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 71
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 34
From 75 to 84 26
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2014

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 66
Stroke 54
Ischemic Heart Disease 46
Depression 30
Chronic Kidney Disease 31
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 20
Heart Failure 24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 28
Diabetes 33
Dementia 30
Cancer 26

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2015 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 176
hospital care 200
inpatient care 200

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 232
Female 246
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 374
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 60
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 206
From 75 to 84 136
85 and over 90
Less than 65 46

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2015

Hypertension 74
High Cholesterol 59
Stroke 28
Ischemic Heart Disease 30
Depression 26
Chronic Kidney Disease 26
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 10
Atrial Fibrilation 13
Heart Failure 19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 11
Diabetes 28
Dementia 22
Cancer 16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2016 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 279
hospital care 190
inpatient care 190

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 159
Female 181
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 265
Black 22
Hispanic 0
Asian 36
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 148
From 75 to 84 115
85 and over 50
Less than 65 27

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2016

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 67
Stroke 24
Ischemic Heart Disease 34
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 37
Asthma 17
Osteoperosis 10
Atrial Fibrilation 15
Heart Failure 20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 13
Diabetes 31
Dementia 26
Cancer 14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2017 were hospital care, inpatient care, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery 15
doctor visit 307
excision 15
hospital care 231
inpatient care 231
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 15

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 165
Female 211
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 288
Black 24
Hispanic 18
Asian 33
Other 13
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 165
From 75 to 84 141
85 and over 48
Less than 65 22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2017

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 61
Stroke 24
Ischemic Heart Disease 34
Depression 31
Chronic Kidney Disease 35
Asthma 10
Osteoperosis 12
Atrial Fibrilation 18
Heart Failure 20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 13
Diabetes 29
Dementia 23
Cancer 16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2018 were hospital care, inpatient care, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery 13
doctor visit 238
excision 13
hospital care 127
inpatient care 127
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 13

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 121
Female 174
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 218
Black 25
Hispanic 17
Asian 23
Other 12
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 138
From 75 to 84 113
85 and over 28
Less than 65 16

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2018

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 74
Stroke 25
Ischemic Heart Disease 40
Depression 28
Chronic Kidney Disease 35
Asthma 11
Osteoperosis 14
Atrial Fibrilation 13
Heart Failure 21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 14
Diabetes 36
Dementia 22
Cancer 20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2019 were hospital care, inpatient care, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery 11
doctor visit 209
excision 11
hospital care 96
inpatient care 96
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 11

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 108
Female 154
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 187
Black 26
Hispanic 0
Asian 28
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 115
From 75 to 84 103
85 and over 32
Less than 65 12

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2019

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 68
Stroke 21
Ischemic Heart Disease 32
Depression 32
Chronic Kidney Disease 36
Asthma 10
Osteoperosis 13
Atrial Fibrilation 11
Heart Failure 21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 12
Diabetes 28
Dementia 25
Cancer 18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2020 were hospital care, inpatient care, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery 14
doctor visit 195
excision 14
hospital care 169
inpatient care 169
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 14

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 122
Female 171
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 217
Black 33
Hispanic 0
Asian 22
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 115
From 75 to 84 112
85 and over 39
Less than 65 27

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2020

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 66
Stroke 28
Ischemic Heart Disease 39
Depression 34
Chronic Kidney Disease 37
Asthma 9
Osteoperosis 10
Atrial Fibrilation 16
Heart Failure 22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 14
Diabetes 30
Dementia 26
Cancer 20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2021 were hospital care, inpatient care, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery 21
doctor visit 225
excision 21
hospital care 164
inpatient care 164
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 21

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 132
Female 157
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 218
Black 30
Hispanic 0
Asian 23
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 129
From 75 to 84 99
85 and over 45
Less than 65 16

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2021

Hypertension 72
High Cholesterol 66
Stroke 23
Ischemic Heart Disease 36
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 32
Asthma 8
Osteoperosis 16
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 12
Diabetes 25
Dementia 26
Cancer 18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC during 2022 were hospital care, inpatient care, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery 14
doctor visit 247
excision 14
hospital care 130
inpatient care 130
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 14
spinal procedures 13
ultrasound (sonogram) 13

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 134
Female 177
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 228
Black 26
Hispanic 0
Asian 28
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 134
From 75 to 84 118
85 and over 41
Less than 65 18

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD in 2022

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 32
Ischemic Heart Disease 23
Depression 22
Chronic Kidney Disease 20
Asthma 13
Osteoperosis 18
Atrial Fibrilation 17
Heart Failure 14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 11
Diabetes 27
Dementia 14
Cancer 18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Washington, DC were hospital care, inpatient care, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

cranial surgery 14
doctor visit 211
excision 14
hospital care 145
inpatient care 145
removal of lesion (e.g. growth) 14
spinal procedures 13
ultrasound (sonogram) 13

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD.

Gender
Male 113
Female 141
Ethnicity
Black / African American 16
Asian / Pacific Islander 23
Non-Hispanic White 193
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Hispanic 3
Other 2
Age
75 to 84 89
85 and over 35
Less than 65 17
65 to 74 109

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension 67
High Cholesterol 60
Stroke 25
Ischemic Heart Disease 32
Depression 25
Chronic Kidney Disease 28
Asthma 8
Osteoporosis 9
Heart Failure 18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 13
Diabetes 27
Atrial Fibrillation 13
Dementia 21
Cancer 16

Education & Training

Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD graduated from University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine in 1991. He completed residency at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery - Neurological Surgery and has a state license in Virginia.

Medical School: University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine (1991)

Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Affiliated Hospitals (1997)

Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery - Neurological Surgery (2024)

Licensed In: Virginia

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Sentara Health
MedStar Health
MGMC LLC

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD 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, DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans, Aetna Advantage 6350PD, CareFirst EPO, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS), OCI Direct (HMO), Medicare Direct, 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, CareFirst Community Health Plan of Maryland, Healthy Blue (HMO, POS), 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), Aetna Better Health of Virginia, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced, 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, IH-Open EPO Plus, Core Essential (HMO), 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, POS OA, Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund), Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS), IH-Open POS II, Aetna Classic 5000PD, Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO, 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), Employee Health Plan, Choice POS II Open Access, Navigate, Police and Fire Clinic, Network OA, CareFirst MedStar Select PPO and Aetna Classic 3500.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD accepts 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
DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans
Aetna Advantage 6350PD
CareFirst EPO
MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families
Optimum Choice Preferred (POS)
OCI Direct (HMO)
Medicare Direct
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
CareFirst Community Health Plan of Maryland
Healthy Blue (HMO, POS)
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)
Aetna Better Health of Virginia
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced
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
IH-Open EPO Plus
Core Essential (HMO)
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
POS OA
Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)
Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)
IH-Open POS II
Aetna Classic 5000PD
Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO
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)
Employee Health Plan
Choice POS II Open Access
Navigate
Police and Fire Clinic
Network OA
CareFirst MedStar Select PPO
Aetna Classic 3500

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 751 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Washington, DC. 

4.9
Overall Rating
Leave a Review
Reviews From Around The Web
Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-09-14
Patient verified via Press Ganey
*Dr. Watson has been very helpful, caring, and patient with me. I definitely recommend him for patients with neurological problems.
Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-11-16
Patient verified via Press Ganey
A great first visit, with attentive discussion and insightful information that left informed, relieved, and ready to move forward.
Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-01-22
Patient verified via Press Ganey
Doctor listened to all my concerns patiently, answered all my questions.
Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-10-30
Patient verified via Press Ganey
Dr. Watson is a wonder, and there needs to be more like him.
Overall Rating: 5.0 2022-08-14
Patient verified via Press Ganey
Dr Watson had a good rapport with us. A nice manner.
Overall Rating: 5.0 2022-10-19
Patient verified via Press Ganey
*Dr. Watson was attentive, explained issues.
Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-01-19
Patient verified via Press Ganey
Dr Watson is an excellent MD
Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-09-02
Patient verified via Press Ganey
Top notch in all respects
Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-03-21
Patient verified via Press Ganey
Very happy overall.

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Joseph C. Watson, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

Payments by Company
Stryker Corporation $2,152 NEURO SPINE ENT
$1,607 		CAPRI Corpectomy Cage System
$164 		Core
$103 		NEURO
$102 		DuraMatrix
$52 		Other
$124
Globus Medical, Inc. $1,820 Excelsius GPS
$1,709 		ExcelsiusGPS Robotic Navigation System
$112
Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. $1,436 Biologics Therapies
$994 		Thoracolumbar - TL Therapies
$246 		Cervical /Trauma Therapies
$167 		Spinal Cord Neurostimulation - Neuro
$29
Synaptive Medical Inc. $1,226 BRIGHTMATTER GUIDE/Modus V
$1,226
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. $757 COPAXONE
$265 		AJOVY
$265 		AZILECT
$125 		AUSTEDO
$102
Other $3,872 Neuro-Chronic Pain
$389 		BARRICAID ACD (ANNULAR CLOSURE DEVICE)
$147 		V-Loc
$141 		CLYDESDALE
$140 		TITAN NANOLOCK
$140 		Other
$2,916
Types of Payments
Food and Beverage $6,082
Travel and Lodging $5,071
Grant $111

Biography

Dr. Joseph Watson practices neurosurgery. After completing medical school at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine, Dr. Watson performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). His clinical interests include lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, and laminotomy. His patients gave him an average rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). He takes Anthem, Blue California, and Coventry, in addition to other insurance carriers. He is professionally affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Sentara Health. Dr. Watson's practice in Vienna, VA is open to new patients as reported by Doctor.com.

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