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Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD

Accepting New Patients

(David Thaler, MD, PhD)

(56 Ratings)

Specializes in: Neurology (Brain & Spinal Cord Disease) and General Practice

University of Oxford School of Medicine (1992)

Professional interests include: stroke, epilepsy

260 Tremont Street Biewend Building, 12th floor
Boston, MA 02116

(617) 636-4948

Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD is a neurologist in Boston, MA specializing in neurology (brain & spinal cord disease) and general practice. He graduated from University of Oxford School of Medicine in 1992 and has 34 years of experience. Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD is affiliated with Tufts Medicine and Tufts Medical Center Neurology + Cerebrovascular Diseases.

Office Locations

260 Tremont Street Biewend Building, 12th floor
Boston, MA 02116

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Some issues Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD 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)

“Dr. David Thaler, Chief of Neurology at Tufts Medical Center, says brain worms are a common infection.”—"Doctor says brain worms are common", CBS News, May 2024

“The Globe spoke with Dr. David Thaler, neurologist in chief at Tufts Medical Center and former director of its Comprehensive Stroke Center, to hear what he saw in Fetterman's Tuesday performance.”—"Fetterman's debate flubs appeared 'purely linguistic,' Tufts chief neurologist says", Boston Globe, October 2022

“Dr. David Thaler, Chairman of Neurology at Tufts Medical Center specializes in strokes and says he credits Bruschi for recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and acting fast.”—"Patriots legend Tedy Bruschi recovering after suffering second stroke", 7 News Boston, July 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2012 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	181
hospital care	123
inpatient care	123

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2013 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	168
hospital care	81
inpatient care	81

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	103
Female	115

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	158
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	27
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	67
From 75 to 84	70
85 and over	23
Less than 65	58

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2013

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	42
Ischemic Heart Disease	51
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	38
Dementia	22
Cancer	8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2014 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	190
hospital care	141
inpatient care	141

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	112
Female	146

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	197
Black	21
Hispanic	0
Asian	25
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	88
From 75 to 84	74
85 and over	34
Less than 65	62

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2014

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	48
Ischemic Heart Disease	56
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	36
Dementia	22
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2015 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	187
hospital care	121
inpatient care	121

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	248
Female	210

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	346
Black	38
Hispanic	0
Asian	46
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	134
From 75 to 84	142
85 and over	56
Less than 65	126

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2015

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	47
Ischemic Heart Disease	53
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	36
Dementia	22
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2016 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	121
hospital care	106
inpatient care	106

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	81
Female	97

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	125
Black	17
Hispanic	0
Asian	22
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	67
From 75 to 84	56
85 and over	15
Less than 65	40

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2016

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	42
Ischemic Heart Disease	49
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	42
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	25
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	34
Dementia	25
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2017 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	149
hospital care	72
inpatient care	72

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	91
Female	110

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	142
Black	20
Hispanic	0
Asian	22
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	62
From 75 to 84	56
85 and over	30
Less than 65	53

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	51
Ischemic Heart Disease	47
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	40
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	21
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	30
Dementia	28
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2018 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	115
hospital care	89
inpatient care	89

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	84
Female	76

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	120
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	16
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	55
From 75 to 84	42
85 and over	21
Less than 65	42

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2018

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	59
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	48
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	25
Heart Failure	33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	38
Dementia	33
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2019 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	93
hospital care	97
inpatient care	97

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	75
Female	82

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	127
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	63
From 75 to 84	43
85 and over	17
Less than 65	34

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2019

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	47
Ischemic Heart Disease	57
Depression	47
Chronic Kidney Disease	48
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	34
Dementia	29
Cancer	19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2020 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	102
hospital care	96
inpatient care	96

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	80
Female	73

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	126
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	12
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	61
From 75 to 84	43
85 and over	18
Less than 65	31

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2020

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	54
Ischemic Heart Disease	58
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	48
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	20
Heart Failure	33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	42
Dementia	28
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2021 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	135
hospital care	129
inpatient care	129

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	95
Female	102

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	155
Black	16
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	11
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	69
From 75 to 84	73
85 and over	24
Less than 65	31

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2021

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	53
Ischemic Heart Disease	49
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	24
Heart Failure	32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	37
Dementia	24
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA during 2022 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	80
hospital care	96
inpatient care	96

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	75
Female	73

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	119
Black	13
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	60
From 75 to 84	50
85 and over	14
Less than 65	24

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	64
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	38
Heart Failure	32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	44
Dementia	30
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated as a neurologist in Boston, MA were hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit	138
hospital care	104
inpatient care	104

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD.

**Gender**
Male	94
Female	98

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	11
Asian / Pacific Islander	15
Non-Hispanic White	146
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	1

**Age**
75 to 84	59
85 and over	22
Less than 65	45
65 to 74	66

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and stroke.

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	46
Ischemic Heart Disease	46
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	10
Osteoporosis	10
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	33
Atrial Fibrillation	20
Dementia	23
Cancer	12

Education & Training

Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD graduated from University of Oxford School of Medicine in 1992. He completed residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital - Neurology. He is certified by the Board Certification: Vascular Neurology and has a state license in Massachusetts.

Medical School: University of Oxford School of Medicine (1992)

Residency: Brigham and Women's Hospital - Neurology (1997)

Board Certification: Board Certification: Vascular Neurology

Licensed In: Massachusetts

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Tufts Medicine

Tufts Medical Center Neurology + Cerebrovascular Diseases

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. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD appears to accept the following insurance providers: TMIN Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, TMIN United Healthcare Med Adv, TMIN Unicare, Medicaid Wellforce Care Plan ACO (Fallon), Tufts Health Plan, TMIN Fallon Med Adv, Commonwealth Care Alliance, TMIN AllaraCare, TMIN Fallon, TMIN Fallon Navicare SCO, TMIN Aetna, TMIN Mass General Brigham Health Plan and Senior Whole Health.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD accepts the following insurance providers:

TMIN Cigna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

TMIN United Healthcare Med Adv

TMIN Unicare

Medicaid Wellforce Care Plan ACO (Fallon)

Tufts Health Plan

TMIN Fallon Med Adv

Commonwealth Care Alliance

TMIN AllaraCare

TMIN Fallon

TMIN Fallon Navicare SCO

TMIN Aetna

TMIN Mass General Brigham Health Plan

Senior Whole Health

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 56 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD from all over the web to help you find the right in Boston, MA.

4.82

Overall Rating

(56 Ratings)

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation	$55,953 $55,953
Abbott Laboratories	$22,204 AMPLATZER Occluders $7,945	AMPLATZER $4,701	Cardiovascular-Research only $3,094	AMPLATZER AMULET $2,375	Occluders $1,923	Other $2,166
Pfizer Inc.	$12,863 ELIQUIS $11,956	Rebif $21	$886
St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$7,360 QuickFlex Micro $3,903	Vascular $1,590	AMPLATZER $1,068	Structural Heart $192	$607
Boehringer Ingelheim Danmark A/S	$4,313 Pradaxa $4,313
Other	$9,304 APTIOM $1,486	Septal Occluder $622	BRILINTA $595	TECFIDERA $516	ONFI $422	Other $5,663

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$85,571
Travel and Lodging	$14,462
Food and Beverage	$9,775
Honoraria	$1,400
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$500
Other	$288

Research Payments

Dr. David E. Thaler, MD, PhD has received 186 research payments totaling $899,149.

Biography

Dr. David Thaler's areas of specialization are general practice and neurology (brain & spinal cord disease). Patients gave him an average rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). Dr. Thaler's clinical interests encompass stroke and epilepsy. He appears to be in-network for Blue California, Cigna, Medicaid, and more. Dr. Thaler graduated from Oxford University Medical School. His residency was performed at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Awards and/or distinctions he has received include "Top Doctor", Boston Magazine; "Top Doctor," Boston Magazine; and "Top Doctor," U.S. News & World Report. He is affiliated with Tufts Medicine. Yext reports that he is accepting new patients at his office in Boston, MA.