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Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD

Specializes in: Neurosurgery
Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy
Professional interests include: stroke, aneurysm
700 1st Avenue S
Fargo, ND 58103

Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD is a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND specializing in neurosurgery. He graduated from Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy. Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD is affiliated with Sanford Health and Sanford Medical Center Fargo.

View Doctor's Full Profile (701) 234-4036

Office Locations

Sanford Health

2301 25th Street S.
Fargo, ND 58103
(701) 234-4023
open_in_new
700 1st Avenue S
Fargo, ND 58103
(701) 234-4036
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Some issues Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD can help you with:

Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is ruptured or blocked. The brain cannot function without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, so when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, even for a brief moment, brain cells begin to die. When a sufficient number of brain cells die, the brain itself can no longer function, meaning that strokes are very dangerous. Strokes can result in impaired movement, speech, cognitive ability, the impairment of important physical functions, and even death.

Anyone can have a stroke, regardless of age and health. Strokes are known to happen at random. However, certain conditions and behaviors can increase one's risk of stroke over time.

Risk factors for stroke include:

  • Heart disease
  • Older age
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol and lipids

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs more commonly and is when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. Blockages are caused by blood clots and built-up plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol), which leads to atherosclerosis, a condition where the blood vessels narrow and harden. The resultant restricted blood flow may lead to an ischemic stroke by blocking essential oxygen to the brain, causing the heart to exert more effort to pump blood.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures. The burst vessel leaks blood into surrounding brain tissue, causing irreparable brain damage.

Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and may occur from head injuries, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, and bleeding disorders, amongst other conditions.

Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes require immediate medical treatment. Medical intervention can prevent severe and life-threatening brain damage. Signs of stroke include:

-Disorientation or confusion

-Difficulty speaking

-Difficulty walking

-Impaired vision

-Weakness in the face, legs, or arms

-Severe headaches

When someone suspected of having a stroke reaches the hospital, the patient will usually receive a CT or other scan that provides an image of the brain. The scan results can reveal clotted or leaking blood in the brain. Physical exams, neurological exams, and blood tests may also be used to check for blood clotting and sugar. Treatment begins generally immediately if a stroke is detected.

Medical treatment for ischemic strokes includes a thrombolytic medicine which breaks up and disperses blood clots. This medicine can greatly improve stroke recovery and long-term health. However, the thrombolytic medicine must be administered as soon as possible to achieve these results. Other treatments for ischemic strokes are blood thinners and thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot in the brain. Thrombectomy is performed by inserting a catheter (thin needle) into the artery to reach the blood clot and mechanically remove it. With the clot removed, normal blood flow to the brain resumes. Thrombectomy is typically performed at most six hours after a patient shows signs of a stroke.

Hemorrhagic strokes are treated with blood-saving medication and surgery. For a hemorrhagic stroke caused by the rupture of an aneurysm (blood vessel bulges), surgery to stem the bleeding aneurysm and vessel may be used. One surgical technique is stent-assisted coiling, which adds a stent (small wire-meshed tube) into the blood vessel to block the leaking opening of the aneurysm. A non-surgical procedure is endovascular coiling, where a catheter (thin, hollow needle) places a platinum wire coil at the spot of the aneurysm. The coil blocks bleeding and prevents the aneurysm from continuing to leak blood. These procedures are usually combined with blood-thickening medications. Blood transfusions may be administered if substantial blood loss has occurred.

Since stroke patients may have lost some essential functions while the blood flow to their brains was obstructed, both ischemic stroke and hemorrhage stroke patients may receive post-stroke rehabilitation to rebuild their physical and mental abilities. Some restorative treatments include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Patients may also receive care from neurologists, who can assist patients in recovering certain brain functions and cognitive abilities, and rehabilitation psychologists, who may help patients with their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive recovery. Some stroke patients require lengthy rehabilitation and may never fully regain function, while others may recover more quickly. While the fastest recovery improvements are usually seen in the first three or four months, stroke rehabilitation can last for years.

If someone begins to show signs of stroke, contact emergency services and call 9-1-1 immediately since blood flow must be restored as soon as possible to help avoid significant brain damage. If an ambulance takes the person to the hospital, paramedics can initiate stroke treatment as soon as the patient enters the ambulance, allowing for more prompt medical intervention and care.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2023

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

Top 5%

By Volume:

angiogram
carotid arteriogram
carotid artery stenting
cervicocerebral arteriogram
embolization
minimally invasive procedures
vascular procedures
vertebral arteriogram

By Affordability:

angiogram
arteriogram
carotid angiogram
carotid arteriogram
cervicocerebral arteriogram
cervicocerebral angiogram
vertebral angiogram
vertebral arteriogram

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within North Dakota, Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD performed more angiogram (angiography), carotid arteriogram, carotid artery stenting, cervicocerebral arteriogram, embolization, minimally invasive procedures, vascular procedures, and vertebral arteriogram procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of them and he also had a list price for angiogram (angiography), arteriogram, carotid angiogram, carotid arteriogram, cervicocerebral arteriogram, cervicocerebral (head and neck) angiogram, vertebral angiogram, and vertebral arteriogram that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% 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

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND during 2015 were vascular procedures, minimally invasive procedures and thrombectomy (blood clot removal).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 11
minimally invasive procedures 12
thrombectomy (blood clot removal) 12
vascular procedures 91

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 74
Female 92
Age
From 65 to 74 60
From 75 to 84 50
85 and over 32
Less than 65 24

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2015

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated during 2015 were hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 69
Stroke 53
Ischemic Heart Disease 43
Depression 35
Chronic Kidney Disease 24
Asthma 17
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 18
Heart Failure 23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 18
Diabetes 20
Dementia 14
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND during 2016 were vascular procedures, hospital care, inpatient care and minimally invasive procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization 30
doctor visit 75
hospital care 52
inpatient care 52
minimally invasive procedures 30
spinal procedures 30
vascular procedures 243

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 81
Female 107
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 166
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 81
From 75 to 84 52
85 and over 27
Less than 65 28

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2016

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated during 2016 were hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 69
Stroke 60
Ischemic Heart Disease 48
Depression 37
Chronic Kidney Disease 37
Asthma 22
Osteoperosis 16
Atrial Fibrilation 19
Heart Failure 26
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 22
Diabetes 27
Dementia 19
Cancer 10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND during 2017 were vascular procedures, minimally invasive procedures, catheterization and spinal procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization 18
doctor visit 44
hospital care 15
inpatient care 15
minimally invasive procedures 18
spinal procedures 18
vascular procedures 219

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 71
Female 102
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 156
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 81
From 75 to 84 50
85 and over 14
Less than 65 28

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2017

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated during 2017 were hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 66
Stroke 54
Ischemic Heart Disease 47
Depression 38
Chronic Kidney Disease 35
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 12
Atrial Fibrilation 15
Heart Failure 29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 26
Diabetes 25
Dementia 12
Cancer 10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND during 2018 were vascular procedures, spinal procedures, minimally invasive procedures and catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization 16
decompression surgery 14
doctor visit 194
minimally invasive procedures 16
nerve procedures 14
spinal procedures 30
vascular procedures 103

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 77
Female 110
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 166
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 89
From 75 to 84 51
85 and over 15
Less than 65 32

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2018

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated during 2018 were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 66
Stroke 26
Ischemic Heart Disease 36
Depression 42
Chronic Kidney Disease 35
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 12
Atrial Fibrilation 8
Heart Failure 23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 21
Diabetes 28
Dementia 11
Cancer 10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND during 2019 were vascular procedures, spinal procedures, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization 16
decompression surgery 22
doctor visit 190
minimally invasive procedures 16
nerve procedures 22
spinal procedures 38
vascular procedures 171

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 95
Female 125
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 198
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 102
From 75 to 84 65
85 and over 19
Less than 65 34

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2019

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated during 2019 were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 73
High Cholesterol 61
Stroke 28
Ischemic Heart Disease 42
Depression 44
Chronic Kidney Disease 35
Asthma 6
Osteoperosis 12
Atrial Fibrilation 15
Heart Failure 23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 22
Diabetes 30
Dementia 14
Cancer 15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND during 2020 were vascular procedures, spinal procedures, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery) 31
catheterization 15
decompression surgery 35
doctor visit 261
minimally invasive procedures 15
neck surgery 16
nerve procedures 35
spinal procedures 65
vascular procedures 103

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 114
Female 135
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 226
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 11
Age
From 65 to 74 130
From 75 to 84 69
85 and over 20
Less than 65 30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2020

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated during 2020 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 67
Stroke 22
Ischemic Heart Disease 41
Depression 35
Chronic Kidney Disease 39
Asthma 5
Osteoperosis 16
Atrial Fibrilation 9
Heart Failure 22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 18
Diabetes 27
Dementia 10
Cancer 15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND during 2021 were vascular procedures, spinal procedures, minimally invasive procedures and catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery) 12
catheterization 22
decompression surgery 19
doctor visit 178
minimally invasive procedures 22
nerve procedures 19
spinal procedures 53
vascular procedures 153

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 103
Female 122
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 201
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 118
From 75 to 84 70
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2021

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated during 2021 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and depression.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 67
Stroke 32
Ischemic Heart Disease 49
Depression 42
Chronic Kidney Disease 41
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 15
Atrial Fibrilation 19
Heart Failure 24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 21
Diabetes 32
Dementia 10
Cancer 10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND during 2022 were vascular procedures, spinal procedures, minimally invasive procedures and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization 16
decompression surgery 22
doctor visit 170
minimally invasive procedures 28
nerve procedures 22
spinal procedures 38
stent placement (stenting) 12
vascular procedures 118

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 95
Female 118
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 195
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 104
From 75 to 84 69
85 and over 17
Less than 65 23

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2022

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated during 2022 were high cholesterol, hypertension, depression and stroke.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 41
Ischemic Heart Disease 36
Depression 41
Chronic Kidney Disease 33
Asthma 9
Osteoperosis 16
Atrial Fibrilation 20
Heart Failure 19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 21
Diabetes 31
Dementia 9
Cancer 19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND during 2023 were vascular procedures, spinal procedures, minimally invasive procedures and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery) 12
catheterization 25
decompression surgery 29
doctor visit 179
minimally invasive procedures 39
neck surgery 12
nerve procedures 29
spinal procedures 54
stent placement (stenting) 14
vascular procedures 228

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 131
Female 129
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 238
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 120
From 75 to 84 89
85 and over 20
Less than 65 31

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD in 2023

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated during 2023 were high cholesterol, hypertension, depression and stroke.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 37
Ischemic Heart Disease 36
Depression 42
Chronic Kidney Disease 26
Asthma 13
Osteoperosis 17
Atrial Fibrilation 19
Heart Failure 22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 23
Diabetes 35
Dementia 8
Cancer 18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2015 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Fargo, ND were vascular procedures, spinal procedures, hospital care and inpatient care.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery) 18
catheterization 19
decompression surgery 23
doctor visit 144
hospital care 33
inpatient care 33
minimally invasive procedures 21
neck surgery 14
nerve procedures 23
spinal procedures 40
stent placement (stenting) 13
thrombectomy (blood clot removal) 12
vascular procedures 158

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2015 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD.

Gender
Male 93
Female 115
Ethnicity
Black / African American 0
Asian / Pacific Islander 0
Non-Hispanic White 171
Native American / Alaskan Native 1
Hispanic 0
Other 0
Age
75 to 84 62
85 and over 18
Less than 65 25
65 to 74 98

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD From 2015 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and depression.

Hypertension 74
High Cholesterol 68
Stroke 39
Ischemic Heart Disease 42
Depression 39
Chronic Kidney Disease 33
Asthma 10
Osteoporosis 12
Heart Failure 23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 21
Diabetes 28
Atrial Fibrillation 15
Cancer 11
Dementia 11

Education & Training

Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD graduated from Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy. He completed residency at University of Manitoba Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the Board Certification: Royal College of Physician & Surgeons of Canada: Neurological Surgery and has a state license in North Dakota.

Medical School: Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy

Residency: University of Manitoba Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: Board Certification: Royal College of Physician & Surgeons of Canada: Neurological Surgery

Licensed In: North Dakota

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Sanford Health
Sanford Medical Center Fargo

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.76 out of 5 stars based on 218 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Alexander Drofa, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Fargo, ND. 

4.76
Overall Rating
Leave a Review

General Payments

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

Payments by Company
Medtronic USA, Inc. $16,705 Axium
$10,988 		PIPELINE
$4,613 		Solitaire
$996 		O-ARM-Spine
$83 		MindFrame Capture LP
$25
MicroVention, Inc. $4,738 Scepter XC Balloon Catheter
$969 		Sofia
$389 		LVIS
$348 		Scepter C Balloon Catheter
$312 		NEUROLOGICAL PRODUCT
$173 		Other
$2,547
Globus Medical, Inc. $3,252 Altera
$1,456 		RISE Intra LIF
$1,228 		RISE
$396 		RISE-L
$97 		Direct Look Lat
$75
Medtronic Neurovascular $2,244 Flow Diversion
$2,041 		Coils
$107 		Neurovascular Access Delivery
$96
Covidien LP $1,810 ARC
$1,794 		Trellis
$3
$13
Other $5,006 SOLITAIRE X
$1,387 		ACE
$701 		Sports Medicine
$597 		Onyx
$513 		Apollo
$366 		Other
$1,443
Types of Payments
Travel and Lodging $17,296
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program $10,920
Food and Beverage $5,367
Entertainment $173

Biography

Dr. Alexander Drofa, who practices in Fargo, ND, is a medical specialist in neurosurgery. Clinical interests for Dr. Drofa include stroke and aneurysm. He is affiliated with Sanford Medical Center Fargo. Dr. Drofa's education and training includes medical school at Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy and residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Manitoba. Patient reviews placed Dr. Drofa at an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5).

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