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Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD

Accepting New Patients

(1510 Ratings)

Specializes in: Spine Surgery and Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (1997)

Professional interests include: spinal infection, spinal stenosis, myelopathy, and more.

12 Medstar Boulevard Suite 300
Bel Air, MD 21015

(410) 261-8762

Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD is a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD specializing in spine surgery and orthopedics/orthopedic surgery. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1997 and has 29 years of experience. Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD is affiliated with MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, MedStar Health and MEDSTAR MEDICAL GROUP II LLC.

Office Locations

3333 North Calvert Street Johnston Professional Building, 6th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21218

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MedStar Health

12 Medstar Boulevard Suite 300
Bel Air, MD 21015

(410) 261-8762

(443) 656-9320

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9101 Franklin Square Drive Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21237

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Some issues Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD can help you with:

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury medicine is a branch of medicine that treats damage to the spinal cord from an injury or a nontraumatic myelopathy, which is any disorder that affects the spinal area. The spinal cord is a section of nerve tissue protected by the vertebrae (spinal bones). Trauma to the spinal cord, typically caused by compression or bent vertebrae, prevents the body and brain from communicating. This can result in pain, loss of sensation, and impaired physical function and movement. Acute spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are a leading cause of permanent disability. Spinal cord injuries may develop from accidents or myelopathies, disorders that provoke spinal compression. Traumatic incidents such as falls, sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and bullet or stab wounds can cause an acute spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury medicine seeks to stabilize the spine and to alleviate the symptoms of spine damage. Practitioners of spinal cord injury medicine are called spinal cord injury specialists. Spinal cord injury medicine is an interdisciplinary field, meaning physicians of various specialties may be trained to treat spinal cord injuries.

Damage to the spinal cord may initially be diagnosed through X-ray, MRI, or CT scans. Patients can also undergo spinal exams to evaluate their sensory ability and strength. Injuries to the spinal cord can be complete (no feeling or sensation) or incomplete (some feeling or sensation remains). Conditions spinal cord injury medicine specialists may treat include:

Paralysis, such as paraplegia (loss of function in the legs), or quadriplegia (loss of function from the neck down)
Spine fracture or trauma, which can lead to impairment and/or significant pain
Spinal infections
Myelopathies, such as herniated disks, spinal tumors, and rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylosis, and degenerative conditions like Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS)

Treatment for spinal cord injuries often involves surgery, either directly after an injury occurs or at a later date. Surgery for spine injuries is intended to ease spinal compression and stabilize the spine. Surgical procedures can involve shifting vertebrae, removing bone, or altering spinal placement with implantable devices. Patients with significant spinal trauma may require urgent surgical intervention.

Surgical treatments can be complemented by rehabilitative physical therapy to improve mobility. Spinal cord injury specialists also treat complications arising from a spinal injury, such as respiratory or bladder conditions. Some patients with spinal cord injuries may require lifelong treatment. Spinal cord injury specialists aim to help these patients successfully adjust and lead an improved quality of life. An emerging treatment for spinal cord injuries is neural prosthetics, which replicate patients' lost nerve function. Neural prostheses may be used as artificial body parts or assistive devices that patients may cognitively control. Other assistive devices include wheelchairs and scooters.

Spinal cord injury specialists may collaborate with physical therapists, radiologists, neurologists, urologists, and orthopedists.

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.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2023

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

Top 25%

By Volume:

spinal procedures

spine X-ray

By Affordability:

spinal decompression surgery

In 2012, among providers in related specialties within Maryland, Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD performed more spinal procedures, and spine X-ray procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of them and he also had a list price for lamina procedures, laminectomy, lumbar decompression, lumbar spine surgery, spinal decompression, and spinal decompression surgery that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2012 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures, decompression surgery and aspiration.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	16
aspiration	16
bone marrow tests	16
decompression surgery	42
doctor visit	599
neck surgery	16
nerve procedures	42
spinal procedures	106
X-rays	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2013 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures, decompression surgery and X-rays.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	25
bone marrow tests	11
decompression surgery	41
doctor visit	536
injections	14
nerve procedures	41
spinal procedures	112
X-rays	33

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	152
Female	275

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	272
Black	142
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	209
From 75 to 84	130
85 and over	26
Less than 65	62

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	34
Dementia	7
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2014 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures, decompression surgery and X-rays.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

decompression surgery	29
doctor visit	390
nerve procedures	29
spinal procedures	80
X-rays	16

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	119
Female	198

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	187
Black	119
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	160
From 75 to 84	89
85 and over	20
Less than 65	48

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2014

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	38
Dementia	7
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2015 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

decompression surgery	27
doctor visit	380
nerve procedures	27
spinal procedures	41

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	228
Female	414

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	402
Black	210
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	290
From 75 to 84	182
85 and over	44
Less than 65	126

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2015

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	40
Dementia	6
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2016 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

decompression surgery	40
doctor visit	428
nerve procedures	40
spinal procedures	70

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	128
Female	195

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	188
Black	123
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	149
From 75 to 84	96
85 and over	21
Less than 65	57

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2016

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	22
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	35
Dementia	9
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2017 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures, decompression surgery and X-rays.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

decompression surgery	33
doctor visit	359
nerve procedures	33
spinal procedures	61
X-rays	11

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	121
Female	183

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	184
Black	108
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	156
From 75 to 84	86
85 and over	16
Less than 65	46

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	39
Dementia	6
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2018 were spinal procedures, X-rays, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	26
decompression surgery	60
doctor visit	543
neck surgery	26
nerve procedures	60
spinal procedures	255
X-rays	123

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	176
Female	271

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	298
Black	128
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	209
From 75 to 84	137
85 and over	21
Less than 65	80

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2018

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	35
Dementia	7
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2019 were spinal procedures, X-rays, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	13
decompression surgery	83
doctor visit	513
neck surgery	24
nerve procedures	83
spinal procedures	377
X-rays	206

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	185
Female	252

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	287
Black	139
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	214
From 75 to 84	137
85 and over	17
Less than 65	69

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2019

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	40
Dementia	8
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2020 were spinal procedures, X-rays, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

decompression surgery	49
doctor visit	314
nerve procedures	49
spinal procedures	203
X-rays	111

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	146
Female	185

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	211
Black	106
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	169
From 75 to 84	102
85 and over	16
Less than 65	44

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2020

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	40
Dementia	5
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2021 were spinal procedures, X-rays, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	22
decompression surgery	77
doctor visit	440
neck surgery	33
nerve procedures	77
spinal procedures	267
X-rays	127

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	153
Female	242

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	260
Black	117
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	220
From 75 to 84	105
85 and over	18
Less than 65	52

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2021

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	73
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	36
Dementia	5
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2022 were spinal procedures, X-rays, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	12
decompression surgery	35
doctor visit	400
nerve procedures	35
spinal procedures	236
X-rays	143

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	140
Female	228

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	247
Black	95
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	11
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	199
From 75 to 84	116
85 and over	12
Less than 65	41

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	40
Dementia	3
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD were spinal procedures, X-rays, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	17
aspiration	20
bone marrow tests	13
decompression surgery	46
doctor visit	445
injections	14
neck surgery	24
nerve procedures	46
spinal procedures	164
X-rays	86

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD.

**Gender**
Male	140
Female	222

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	117
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	230
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	1

**Age**
75 to 84	107
85 and over	19
Less than 65	56
65 to 74	179

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	11
Osteoporosis	8
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	34
Atrial Fibrillation	8
Dementia	5
Cancer	9

Education & Training

Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1997. He completed residency at Johns Hopkins University Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has a state license in Maryland.

Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (1997)

Residency: Johns Hopkins University Affiliated Hospitals (2002)

Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Licensed In: Maryland

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

MedStar Health

MEDSTAR MEDICAL GROUP II 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. Mesfin A. Lemma, 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, Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO, IH-PPO, Aetna Advantage 6350PD, DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families, CareFirst EPO, 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, 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, Core Essential (HMO), IH-Open EPO Plus, IH-Open POS 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, Erickson Advantage Plans, M.D. IPA (HMO), POS OA, Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund), 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.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, 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

Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)

M.D. IPA Preferred (POS)

CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO

IH-PPO

Aetna Advantage 6350PD

DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families

CareFirst EPO

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

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

Core Essential (HMO)

IH-Open EPO Plus

IH-Open POS 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

Erickson Advantage Plans

M.D. IPA (HMO)

POS OA

Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)

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

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Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.79 out of 5 stars based on 1510 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Baltimore, MD.

4.79

Overall Rating

(1510 Ratings)

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Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 3.0 2022-03-22

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Lemma was nice but showed minimal interest I why I was there (I.e., I was there because I have neck pain related to a scoliosis surgery I had years ago). Dr Lemma examined my X-rays, which was good, but then told me if I was having neck pain I should use a warm washcloth. He didn't recommend alternatives like maybe some type of special physical therapy to address the area of pain.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-10-02

Patient verified via Press Ganey

This was my second consultation with Dr. Lemma. Both times he was so kind, to the point, explains things simply, yet thoroughly. He is so calm and reassuring.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-07-24

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Lemma listened to me when sharing my concerns. He thoroughly explained my diagnosis. I was completely satisfied and appreciated his manner!

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-04-28

Patient verified via Press Ganey

He explained everything very thoroughly, even used models and pictures to make sure I understood everything he was explaining.

Overall Rating: 2.0 2023-10-24

Patient verified via Press Ganey

He really was not paying attention to my concerns. More concerned w/telling me when not to call to ask for med refill.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-04-20

Patient verified via Press Ganey

*Dr. Lemma was very helpful regarding my problem. He explained clearly & consistently.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-02-09

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Lemma was so kind and thorough!!!I am so grateful to have seen him!

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-01-22

Patient verified via Press Ganey

The doctor explained everything in detail.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-09-20

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Lemma is a top doctor!

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-04-08

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Very pleased

To see all 1510 reviews for Dr. Mesfin A. Lemma, MD, view their full profile.

General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Orthofix International N.V.	$207,065 Orthopedics-External Fixation $126,918	Spine Fixation $27,279	SKYHAWK Lateral Interbody Fusion System $12,213	Unspecified-Unspecified $8,059	FORZA PTC Spacer System $4,681	Other $27,916
Orthofix Medical, Inc.	$39,864 Forza $16,088	TDX Posterior Dynamic Stabilization $5,974	FORZA PEEK Spacer System $4,196	FORZA XP Expandable Spacer System $1,988	FORZA PTC Spacer System $1,072	Other $10,547
Choice Spine, LP	$29,564 VEO $29,564
Altus Partners. LLC	$12,608 Monaco Pedicle Screw System $5,858	$6,750
Stryker Corporation	$4,754 ALEUTIAN $3,500	CASCADIA $966	General K2M Product Discussion $83	SERRATO $70	Tritanium $69	Other $66
Other	$3,128 Excelsius - GPS $1,152	VEO $992	Spinal Implants $944	OFIRMEV $21	Posterior Fusion $21

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$159,445
Royalty or License	$86,379
Education	$30,760
Travel and Lodging	$18,877
Food and Beverage	$1,160
Other	$363

Biography

Dr. Mesfin Lemma's specialties are spine surgery and orthopedics/orthopedic surgery. He practices in Baltimore, MD and Bel Air, MD. Clinical interests for Dr. Lemma include deformity correction, cervical laminectomy, and artificial disc replacement. He has received a 5.0 out of 5 star rating by his patients. Dr. Lemma appears to be an in-network provider for Anthem, Blue California, Coventry, and more. He obtained his medical school training at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Lemma's distinctions include: Named to U.S. New and World Report Top Doctors in the U.S.; pre; and Named to Top Doctors in the U.S. Castle Connolly. His professional affiliations include MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. His practice in Bel Air, MD is open to new patients as reported by Doctor.com.