i
Loading Page
loading, please wait

Select Year:

Home > OH Providers > Cardiothoracic Surgeons
placeholder image of provider

Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD

Specializes in: Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery and Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery)
Weill Cornell Medical College (2004)
Professional interests include: esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumor, acid reflux (GERD), and more.
11100 Euclid Avenue 1st Floor
Cleveland, OH 44106

Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD is a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH specializing in cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery and surgical oncology (cancer surgery). He graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College in 2004 and has 21 years of experience. Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD is affiliated with University Hospitals and UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS MEDICAL GROUP INC.

View Doctor's Full Profile (216) 844-3800

Office Locations

University Hospitals

11100 Euclid Avenue 1st Floor
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 844-3800
open_in_new

Unable to locate address.

University Hospitals

6707 Powers Boulevard Medical Arts Cntr 2 Suite 205
Parma, OH 44129
(440) 743-8115

Some issues Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD can help you with:

Lung Issues

Every cell in the body requires oxygen to function and produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. In order to keep the body's tissues constantly supplied with fresh oxygen and to keep waste from building up, the lungs pump air in and out, even while sleeping or unaware. Unfortunately, diseases and disorders affecting the lungs are some of the most common medical problems afflicting people around the world. Some of the most common lung problems include asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

Asthma is a chronic disease where swollen, inflamed airways make it hard to breathe. It is often brought on by specific triggers. While asthma is a common condition, affecting millions of people, it can also be serious and even fatal in severe cases. Treatment involves avoiding triggers and using inhaled corticosteroid medications.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the name given to two illnesses that both cause difficulty breathing: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the air sacs of the lungs become damaged, while with bronchitis they become clogged with mucus. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It is almost always caused by breathing irritants into the lungs, such as smoking or heavy pollution.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in a week or two, but for some people pneumonia can be fatal. There are treatments available for pneumonia, but the best treatment is to prevent getting sick in the first place. People who are at risk should make sure they get a flu shot every year. There is also a vaccine available for the type of bacteria that causes pneumonia.

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells inside the lung grow into a tumor, destroying healthy tissue. Because it is so difficult to detect lung cancer in early stages when it has few symptoms, it is the deadliest form of cancer, responsible for the most cancer deaths both in the U.S. and worldwide. Most lung cancer is caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, but between 10-15% of cases are not linked to smoking.

Some problems with the lungs are minor and are not cause for concern. However if symptoms have lasted for a month or more, even if they are minor, it is worth checking with a healthcare professional. A cough, shortness of breath, or excess mucus production that lingers for weeks are all worth getting looked at.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.

There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2023

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

Top 5%

By Volume:

diagnostic bronchoscopy without biopsy
thoracic surgery procedures
thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy
VATS lobectomy
video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

By Affordability:

surgical dissection
thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within Ohio, Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD performed more diagnostic bronchoscopy without biopsy, thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy, VATS lobectomy, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of them and he also had a list price for surgical dissection, and thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy 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.

Top 10%

By Volume:

minimally invasive procedures

In 2023, Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD performed more minimally invasive procedures procedures for Medicare patients than 90% of providers in related specialties within Ohio.

Top 25%

By Affordability:

lymph node excision

In 2013, Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD had a list price for lymph node excision that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of providers in related specialties within Ohio. 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. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH during 2015 were hospital care, inpatient care, bronchoscopy and minimally invasive procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy 39
doctor visit 49
hospital care 137
inpatient care 137
minimally invasive procedures 39
pleural drainage 11
thoracostomy 11

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 150
Female 122
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 228
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 102
From 75 to 84 94
85 and over 28
Less than 65 48

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2015

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated during 2015 were hypertension, ischemic heart disease, high cholesterol and cancer.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 60
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 62
Depression 36
Chronic Kidney Disease 45
Asthma 27
Osteoperosis 8
Atrial Fibrilation 21
Heart Failure 37
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 45
Diabetes 31
Dementia 9
Cancer 55

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH during 2016 were hospital care, inpatient care, minimally invasive procedures and bronchoscopy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 11
bronchoscopy 62
diagnostic procedures 11
doctor visit 126
hospital care 130
inpatient care 130
minimally invasive procedures 88
minor procedures 11
pleural drainage 14
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures 12
thoracostomy 14

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 96
Female 97
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 156
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 83
From 75 to 84 71
85 and over 19
Less than 65 20

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2016

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated during 2016 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and asthma.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 64
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 56
Depression 34
Chronic Kidney Disease 51
Asthma 51
Osteoperosis 9
Atrial Fibrilation 27
Heart Failure 42
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 51
Diabetes 34
Dementia 15
Cancer 47

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH during 2017 were hospital care, inpatient care, bronchoscopy and minimally invasive procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy 59
doctor visit 183
hospital care 82
inpatient care 82
minimally invasive procedures 55
pleural drainage 12
thoracostomy 12

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 91
Female 83
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 147
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 79
From 75 to 84 60
85 and over 16
Less than 65 19

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2017

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated during 2017 were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 61
Stroke 6
Ischemic Heart Disease 57
Depression 36
Chronic Kidney Disease 49
Asthma 8
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 22
Heart Failure 38
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 57
Diabetes 37
Dementia 14
Cancer 51

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH during 2018 were hospital care, inpatient care, bronchoscopy and minimally invasive procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy 34
doctor visit 194
hospital care 67
inpatient care 67
minimally invasive procedures 34

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 87
Female 88
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 157
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 79
From 75 to 84 57
85 and over 22
Less than 65 17

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2018

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated during 2018 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 69
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 59
Depression 30
Chronic Kidney Disease 45
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 7
Atrial Fibrilation 26
Heart Failure 34
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 55
Diabetes 39
Dementia 13
Cancer 50

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH during 2019 were minimally invasive procedures, hospital care, inpatient care and bronchoscopy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy 48
dissection 11
doctor visit 194
excision 11
hospital care 49
inpatient care 49
lymph node procedures 11
minimally invasive procedures 72
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures 24

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 109
Female 86
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 169
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 91
From 75 to 84 59
85 and over 16
Less than 65 29

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2019

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated during 2019 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 68
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 64
Depression 28
Chronic Kidney Disease 44
Asthma 8
Osteoperosis 8
Atrial Fibrilation 17
Heart Failure 35
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 54
Diabetes 33
Dementia 14
Cancer 47

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH during 2020 were minimally invasive procedures, bronchoscopy, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy 49
dissection 15
doctor visit 174
excision 15
hospital care 35
inpatient care 35
lobectomy 12
lymph node procedures 15
minimally invasive procedures 76
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures 27

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 103
Female 107
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 188
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 102
From 75 to 84 61
85 and over 19
Less than 65 28

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2020

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated during 2020 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 68
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 67
Depression 30
Chronic Kidney Disease 39
Asthma 9
Osteoperosis 8
Atrial Fibrilation 21
Heart Failure 28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 50
Diabetes 33
Dementia 16
Cancer 47

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH during 2021 were minimally invasive procedures, bronchoscopy, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy 37
doctor visit 227
hospital care 24
inpatient care 24
minimally invasive procedures 49
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures 12

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 120
Female 111
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 215
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 111
From 75 to 84 84
85 and over 18
Less than 65 18

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2021

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated during 2021 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 73
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 68
Depression 28
Chronic Kidney Disease 38
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 9
Atrial Fibrilation 22
Heart Failure 29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 48
Diabetes 32
Dementia 10
Cancer 46

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH during 2022 were minimally invasive procedures, bronchoscopy, thoracic (chest) surgery procedures and dissection.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy 34
dissection 20
doctor visit 266
excision 20
hospital care 16
inpatient care 16
lobectomy 14
lymph node procedures 20
minimally invasive procedures 68
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures 34

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 129
Female 126
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 239
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 129
From 75 to 84 95
85 and over 18
Less than 65 13

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2022

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated during 2022 were high cholesterol, hypertension, cancer and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 11
Ischemic Heart Disease 48
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 22
Asthma 11
Osteoperosis 9
Atrial Fibrilation 31
Heart Failure 23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 47
Diabetes 26
Dementia 6
Cancer 50

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH during 2023 were minimally invasive procedures, thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, dissection and lymph node procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy 26
dissection 29
doctor visit 273
excision 29
hospital care 17
inpatient care 17
lobectomy 17
lymph node procedures 29
minimally invasive procedures 72
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures 46

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 129
Female 133
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 239
Black 12
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 123
From 75 to 84 108
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD in 2023

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated during 2023 were high cholesterol, hypertension, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 8
Ischemic Heart Disease 48
Depression 31
Chronic Kidney Disease 21
Asthma 11
Osteoperosis 11
Atrial Fibrilation 27
Heart Failure 22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 48
Diabetes 28
Dementia 6
Cancer 51

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2015 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cleveland, OH were inpatient care, minimally invasive procedures, hospital care and bronchoscopy.

aspiration 11
bronchoscopy 43
diagnostic procedures 11
dissection 18
doctor visit 187
excision 18
hospital care 61
inpatient care 61
lobectomy 14
lymph node procedures 18
minimally invasive procedures 61
minor procedures 11
pleural drainage 12
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures 25
thoracostomy 12

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2015 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD.

Gender
Male 112
Female 105
Ethnicity
Black / African American 1
Asian / Pacific Islander 0
Non-Hispanic White 193
Hispanic 0
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Other 0
Age
75 to 84 76
85 and over 17
Less than 65 21
65 to 74 99

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD From 2015 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 68
Stroke 5
Ischemic Heart Disease 58
Depression 31
Chronic Kidney Disease 39
Asthma 15
Osteoporosis 7
Heart Failure 32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 50
Diabetes 32
Atrial Fibrillation 23
Dementia 11
Cancer 49

Education & Training

Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College in 2004. He completed residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He is certified by the esophageal and thoracic surgery and has a state license in New York.

Medical School: Weill Cornell Medical College (2004)

Residency: New York-Presbyterian Hospital (2011)

Board Certification: esophageal and thoracic surgery

Licensed In: New York

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

University Hospitals
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS MEDICAL GROUP INC

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 38 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Christopher Wellington Towe, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Cleveland, OH. 

5
Overall Rating
Leave a Review

General Payments

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

Payments by Company
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. $177,248 RibFix Advantage
$55,233 		RibFix Blu
$52,083 		RIBFIX BLU ADVANTAGE
$26,840 		AdvantageRib
$6,820 		CMF & Thoracic-None
$6,655 		Other
$29,616
AtriCure, Inc. $120,077 AtriCure cryoICE cryoSPHERE Cryoablation System
$60,997 		ATRICURE CRYOSURGICAL SYSTEM
$14,667 		ATRICURE CRYOICE CRYOABLATION SYSTEM (CRYO2)
$14,618 		SYNERGY ABLATION SYSTEM
$8,053 		EPI-SENSE GUIDED COAGULATION SYSTEM WITH VISITRAX
$987 		Other
$20,756
Covidien LP $23,008 superDimension
$22,978 		Situate
$19 		Manometry
$11
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. $7,884 OPDIVO
$40
$7,845
Philips Electronics North America Corporation $1,500 Veradius
$1,500
Other $10,005 LINX Reflux Management System
$1,364 		Da Vinci Surgical System
$1,161 		TAGRISSO
$1,126 		Progel
$475 		Echelon Flex
$385 		Other
$5,494
Types of Payments
Consulting Fee $291,322
Travel and Lodging $28,637
Food and Beverage $13,878
Education $2,984
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program $2,502
Other $400

Biography

Dr. Christopher Towe specializes in general surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), and cardiothoracic surgery and practices in Cleveland, OH and Parma, OH. The average patient rating for Dr. Towe is 5.0 stars (out of 5). His clinical interests include esophageal cancer, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and lung cancer. Dr. Towe is a graduate of Weill Cornell Medical College. His training includes residency programs at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and a hospital affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College. He is professionally affiliated with the University Hospitals.

Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Nearby Locations

Other Providers in Cleveland, OH